The Green Element Podcast: Recent Episodes

Green Element

The Green Element podcast aims to promote and inspire sustainability in business. Every month, we will interview a business and talk about how it's embedding sustainability into its culture and operations.

You will benefit from hearing insights from different types of business, different sizes of business and also different industries.

Each interview will give you inspirational insights, ideas and lessons learned that you can take away and implement in your own organisation.

This podcast is aimed at business owners, managers and anyone committed to making sustainable change inside of their organisation.

We want you to have a business that's not just the best in the world but also is the best FOR the world!

Description:

In this enlightening episode of Sustainability Solved, Will Richardson and Charlie explore the remarkable work of Scarf, a Scottish charity celebrating 40 years of tackling fuel poverty. Join Lawrence Johnston and David from Scarf as they reveal how their organization has transformed thousands of homes across Scotland, providing energy efficiency solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but dramatically improve quality of life for vulnerable households.

Show Notes:

00:01-01:43 - Introduction to Sustainability Solved and welcome to guests
01:48-03:47 - Introduction to Scarf: 40 years as a charity focused on reducing fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency
03:48-06:22 - Discussion of Scarf's relationship with Scottish Government and their reach (20,000+ remote engagements, 4,000-5,000 home visits annually)
07:47-10:51 - Explanation of fuel poverty metrics and KPIs used to measure impact
10:51-12:53 - Discussion on data collection and measuring effectiveness of interventions
12:55-15:30 - Exploration of quality of life improvements and social benefits from energy efficiency measures
15:39-18:03 - Main challenges in Scottish housing: granite buildings, solid walls, and electric heating systems
18:03-19:16 - The importance of balancing social and environmental sustainability for a just transition
19:50-22:31 - Barriers to engagement: lack of awareness, stigma around poverty, and skepticism of "too good to be true" offers
24:05-26:48 - Overview of organizations delivering similar services across Scotland and the fragmented approach in England
32:18-34:16 - Scarf's approach to energy efficiency: starting with behavioral changes and low-cost measures before larger interventions
35:02-37:14 - Discussion of Scarf's business energy services and varied impacts
39:22-44:48 - Powerful case studies showcasing Scarf's life-changing impact on vulnerable households
44:49-49:07 - Closing thoughts on the need for national recognition of housing as an emergency and potential for wider implementation of Scarf's model

Key Takeaways:

Scarf has facilitated approximately £20 million in private investment for energy efficiency measures
The average intervention is £18,000-£20,000 per property at no cost to eligible homeowners
There's a critical link between poor housing conditions and health issues that needs more attention
Scotland's regionalized approach to energy efficiency appears more effective than England's fragmented system

Mentioned in this episode:

51-0

Most organisations know their supply chain is where the bulk of their emissions sit. The problem has always been visibility: if you can't see it, you can't manage it.

In this episode, we sit down with Saskia van Gendt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Blue Yonder, one of the biggest supply chain software platforms on the planet. Saskia has spent nearly two decades working across government, consumer goods, fashion and now enterprise tech, and she brings a rare combination of scientific rigour and real-world empathy to the conversation.

We get into why large multinationals are staying the course on their carbon targets despite political headwinds, how companies are moving beyond spend-based carbon estimates to actual supplier data, and where AI fits into supply chain optimisation (including the honest trade-offs around energy use). Saskia also walks us through how tariff volatility is reshaping sourcing decisions and why the carbon intensity of manufacturing locations matters more than most people realise.

If you work in sustainability consulting, supply chain, procurement, or you advise organisations on Scope 3 emissions, this one is packed with practical insight.

Connect with Saskia on LinkedIn and visit https://www.blueyonder.com for case studies and their sustainable supply chain solutions.

If you're a sustainability consultant or advisor looking to deliver stronger results for your clients, we'd love to have you in our network: https://www.51tocarbonzero.com/referral/

Find out more about 51toCarbonZero: https://www.51tocarbonzero.com

Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss the next episode. Drop us a comment or DM if there's a topic you want us to tackle.

Sustainability #SupplyChain #Scope3Emissions #NetZero #CarbonAccounting

Episode SummaryIn this powerful episode of Sustainability Solved, hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton speak with Mike Berners-Lee about the National Emergency Briefing (NEB) initiative. Mike explains how this groundbreaking project brings together top experts to communicate the urgent reality of our climate and nature emergency, and outlines how businesses can transform these challenges into opportunities. The conversation explores media misinformation, political inaction, and practical steps businesses can take to thrive in a sustainable future.

GuestMike Berners-Lee - Professor at Lancaster University, author, and sustainability expert focused on helping organizations respond appropriately to climate and nature emergencies.

Key Topics1. The National Emergency Briefing initiative and its impact 2. Media's role in climate misinformation 3. Business opportunities in sustainability transitions 4. Food security and the shift to plant-rich diets 5. The importance of truth in public discourse 6. Positive tipping points in climate action

Key Quotes1. "We're accelerating into a poly crisis at the moment, and it's about a response to that." - Mike Berners-Lee 2. "The most important thing to do is to keep the narrative, is to raise the narrative on this. We've got to make it normal to talk about this stuff as though it's a huge deal all the time." - Mike Berners-Lee 3. "We can't afford not to do it. Businesses, you need to do your own independent thinking. You need to get clear view of proper facts on this and then you need to be a bit imaginative about working out how that economic business opportunity pans out for you." - Mike Berners-Lee

Resources Mentioned1. National Emergency Briefing website: nebriefing.org 2. People's Emergency Briefing film (available from April 7th) 3. Mike's book: "A Climate of Truth" 4. Fit for the Future business tool

Call to ActionVisit nebriefing.org to watch the nine expert briefings and learn how to host a People's Emergency Briefing event at your business after April 7th.

Organizations are increasingly leveraging AI-powered platforms to understand and reduce their carbon emissions.
Creating innovative, sustainable settlements that integrate nature and human habitats is crucial to reversing biodiversity decline.
Employee ownership trusts can incentivize long-term stewardship and success of service-based companies.

Please contact Will @ will.richardson@51tocarbonzero.com

Host Will Richardson offers his thoughts on sustainability and more and replays one of our popular episodes on supply chain sustainability with the Wine Society.

Will and Charlie Luxton are taking a break over the Summer to spend time with their families. We hope to bring you more episodes in early Autumn.

From bottles to biodiversity! Welcome to Sustainability Solved! In this episode, hosts Will and Charlie dive into the fascinating world of wine and sustainability with Dom De Ville from the Wine Society. First set up in 1874 by a bunch of people who wanted to pay a fair price for their booze, the Wine Society is leading the charge in tackling supply chain emissions, improving agricultural practices, and supporting winemakers across the globe. If you’re curious about Scope 3 emissions, regenerative viticulture, and innovative approaches to sustainability, this episode is for you.

Join the Sustainability Solved Hub to collaborate, ask questions, and share insights.

Problem

The wine industry faces mounting sustainability challenges:

Scope 3 Emissions: 94% of the Wine Society’s carbon footprint comes from their supply chain, particularly in wine production, glass bottle manufacturing, and shipping.
Climate Change: Extreme weather patterns, droughts, and floods are threatening vineyards worldwide.
Human Rights Risks: Reliance on seasonal, often migrant, labour raises ethical concerns.
Biodiversity Loss: Conventional farming practices, such as pesticide and herbicide use, degrade soil and ecosystems.

Solutions

Investing in Suppliers (Insetting):
Instead of traditional carbon offsets, the Wine Society invests directly in its growers through a Climate and Nature Fund. This supports projects like regenerative farming and reforestation.
Examples include hydro-seeding trials, agroforestry initiatives, and providing seed money for transitioning to regenerative viticulture.
Reducing Glass Bottle Emissions:
The Wine Society collaborated with 12 retailers through the Bottle Weight Accord to reduce bottle weights by 2027, significantly lowering emissions.
Regenerative Agriculture:
Encouraging natural solutions, such as planting cover crops, using sheep for natural fertilisation, and avoiding soil tillage to preserve carbon stores.
Collaboration:
Active involvement in the Sustainable Wine Roundtable and the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation to share knowledge and best practices across the industry.
Producers Making a Difference:
Highlighting sustainable suppliers on their website to incentivise greener practices and reward innovation.

Results

Direct investment of £65,000 per year into supply chain projects, supporting growers in transitioning to more sustainable practices.
A unified industry effort to reduce glass bottle weights, potentially transforming the carbon footprint of millions of bottles annually.
Positive relationships with suppliers, fostering long-term partnerships and encouraging sustainable innovation.

Takeaways

Pay a Fair Price: Sustainability in supply chains requires investment and fair compensation for producers.
Insetting Over Offsetting: Direct investment in suppliers creates measurable, on-the-ground impact while improving relationships.
Collaboration is Key: Solving sustainability challenges requires industry-wide cooperation and shared solutions.
Regenerative Practices Work: Nature-based approaches not only improve biodiversity but also increase resilience to climate change.

Resources

The Wine Society: thewinesociety.com
Sustainable Wine Roundtable: An industry forum driving collaborative change: https://swroundtable.org/
Regenerative Viticulture Foundation: Supporting growers in adopting sustainable, regenerative practices https://www.regenerativeviticulture.org/
Producers Making a Difference: Explore sustainable winemakers on the Wine Society’s website: https://www.thewinesociety.com/buy/wines/producers-making-a-difference/
Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
Ministry for the future by Kim Stanley Robinson

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

Sponsors

This episode is brought to you by Business Declares, a network inspiring businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency. Learn more at Business Declares.

Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton

Production: Soundquake

Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner

Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

For questions or feedback, email us at podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org.

Tune in next time for more stories on sustainability and business innovation!

What if environmental regulations could become your competitive advantage? In this conversation with Emma Toovey, Chief Land and Nature Officer at Environment Bank, discover how the UK's new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements are creating unexpected business opportunities while driving genuine environmental progress. Whether you're a developer, landowner, or business leader in any sector, learn how this game-changing framework provides certainty, reduces costs, and opens new revenue streams - while contributing to nature recovery at scale.

🎯 Key Takeaways

BNG Creates Business Certainty and Predictability
After decades of inconsistent biodiversity requirements across local authorities, the new BNG regulations provide a standardised Excel-based metric that removes professional judgment and bias from planning decisions. This consistency allows developers to plan, cost, and budget for biodiversity requirements from day one, transforming uncertainty into strategic advantage. As Emma notes, "Developers like the predictability and certainty that comes with this metric."
Early Engagement Minimises Costs and Maximises Opportunities
The days of bringing ecologists in at the last minute are over. Smart developers are integrating biodiversity planning into their feasibility and master planning processes from the start, designing nature into schemes rather than retrofitting solutions. This approach not only reduces offsite requirements but can add property value and appeal to residents who increasingly want access to green spaces.
Nature Disclosure is the Next Frontier for All Businesses
Just as carbon reporting became mandatory, nature-related financial disclosures are on the regulatory horizon through frameworks like TNFD (Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures). Forward-thinking businesses across all sectors are preparing now, recognising that understanding and managing nature dependencies and risks will become essential for regulatory compliance, investor relations, and talent retention.

⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps

🌱 Start Biodiversity Planning Early

📊 Assess Your Nature Dependencies and Risks

🤝 Explore Revenue Opportunities in Nature Recovery

🛠 Tools & Resources

Biodiversity Net Gain Metric - Government Excel spreadsheet for calculating biodiversity units
Environment Bank - Habitat banking provider with 32 projects across 2000+ hectares
TNFD Framework - Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
The Guardian's TNFD Report - Practical example of nature disclosure implementation
UK Biodiversity and Business Forum - Membership organisation providing support and guidance
CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) - EU legislation requiring nature impact disclosure

❓ Got a question?

Ask us and we'll try our best to answer it in the show!

podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org

🔄 Share Your Impact

Let us know how you implemented these actions
Submit your case study
Join our Sustainability Solved Hub

🎙 Guest

Emma Toovey
Chief Land and Nature Officer at Environment Bank
Trained ecologist with 20+ years experience
Former ecological consultant specialising in developer relations
Expert in biodiversity net gain implementation

🏢 Green Element Group

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

👫 Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton
Production: Soundquake
Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner
Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

💚 Help us make the show better! Share your feedback

Rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

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For the final episode in our Anthropy special series, we speak with Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), representing 48 unions and 5.5 million workers across every sector of the UK economy. Paul shares a powerful perspective on ensuring a just transition to a sustainable economy, drawing on his personal experience growing up in Merseyside during the industrial changes of the 1980s and 1990s. He discusses the importance of bringing workers to the table when planning for sustainability transitions, the role public services can play in reducing emissions, and why skills development is crucial to sustainable economic transformation. Paul argues that without fairness at the heart of the transition, we risk having no transition at all.

🎯 Key Takeaways1. Just transition requires concrete plans, not warm words

Workers in carbon-intensive industries need clear pathways for their future, not distant promises
People have a right to be around the table and shape their own future
Without fairness at the centre of sustainability transitions, there will be no transition at all
Example: Oil and gas workers in Aberdeen need specific plans, not vague assurances

2. De-industrialisation is not a viable path to net zero

Offshoring emissions by importing steel and other materials is not a sustainable solution
Maintaining an industrial base in the UK that complements net zero objectives is essential
Green technologies like electric arc furnaces for steel and carbon capture must be part of the mix
The UK should maximise domestic supply chains in renewable industries to support good jobs

3. Public services can lead the way in emission reduction

Government can use procurement power to ensure taxpayer money is spent sustainably
4 million union members in public services could help drive the transition
Leading by example in the public sector makes it easier to ask private sector to follow
Healthcare delivery models can be reimagined for better patient outcomes and sustainability

4. Workers need to be involved in net zero planning

Companies should draw up net zero plans in consultation with their workforce
"Union green reps" can function like shop stewards for climate change in workplaces
Frontline workers often have the best insights into making operations more sustainable
Small employers in transitioning sectors need particular support

5. Flexibility and lifelong learning are key skills for the future

Employers themselves often don't know what skills they'll need in 5 years
Education system should prioritise adaptability over specific employer requirements
Retraining throughout working life needs to become normalised
UK employers invest about half the EU average in skills and need to increase this

⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps1. Establish workplace "green reps"

2. Develop transition plans collaboratively

3. Reimagine service delivery models

❓ Got a question?

Ask us and we'll try our best to answer it in the show!

podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org

🔄 Share Your Impact

Let us know how you implemented these actions
Submit your case study
Join our Sustainability Solved Hub

🎙️ About Our GuestPaul Nowak is the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), representing 48 unions and just short of 5.5 million workers across every sector of the UK economy. With a background growing up in Merseyside during the industrial changes of the 1980s and 1990s, Paul brings firsthand understanding of what happens when industrial transition is mismanaged. He advocates for a just transition to a sustainable economy that creates good quality employment in the long term, while ensuring workers have a voice in shaping their future.

👫 Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton
Production: Soundquake
Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner
Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

💚 Help us make the show better! Share your feedback

Rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

Apply now

In this episode of our Anthropy special series, we speak with Joanna Yarrow, who helps run Human Nature Places, a company creating neighbourhoods that make sustainable living easier. Joanna brings a unique perspective shaped by her upbringing in a Sussex woodland with "Good Life" parents who embraced sustainability before it was fashionable. Her journey from homemade clothes and organic sandwiches to working with IKEA on sustainability reveals how she's navigated the tension between sustainable values and modern aspirations. Joanna discusses how sustainability needs to connect to people's everyday lives to truly succeed, focusing particularly on food and transportation as key impact areas. She offers a refreshing take on joy as an important but overlooked sustainability metric.

🎯 Key Takeaways1. Making sustainability relatable to everyday life

Sustainability solutions need to connect to people's daily realities and aspirations
Starting with people's needs (saving money, time, health goals) makes sustainability accessible
At IKEA, sustainability was reframed as "creating a better everyday life with lower climate impact"
Most organisations still fail to ground big existential challenges in people's daily experiences

2. Food and transportation offer the biggest impact opportunities

Together they represent 60-70% of our climate and ecological impact
We don't need high-tech solutions like lab-grown meat or flying cars
Better design of neighbourhoods reduces car dependence
More plant-based, less wasteful meals make a substantial difference
These integrate with necessary everyday activities rather than becoming "extra tasks"

3. Joy deserves more attention as a sustainability metric

Sustainability is often framed as difficult, worthy, and problem-focused, which isn't motivating
Living sustainably should enhance quality of life - health, social connection, agency, place connection
There's science showing these factors contribute to happiness and health
A "joy matrix" could help accelerate sustainability adoption
People are drawn to positive outcomes more than problem-solving

4. There's no silver bullet - action is what matters

While we discuss theoretical perfect solutions, we're wasting time
"Do everything everywhere all at once" is the pragmatic approach
Focus on high-impact areas that people interact with frequently
Prioritise solutions that also provide immediate benefits

5. Sustainable placemaking goes beyond efficient buildings

Human Nature Places uses bio-based building materials
Designs incorporate active travel (walking, biking) and car sharing
Community food systems integrate growing spaces and canteens
Looking at total lifestyle carbon footprint, not just operational building emissions

⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps1. Prioritise food and transportation changes

2. Frame sustainability through personal benefits

3. Add joy and social connection to sustainability initiatives

❓ Got a question?

Ask us and we'll try our best to answer it in the show!

podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org

🔄 Share Your Impact

Let us know how you implemented these actions
Submit your case study
Join our Sustainability Solved Hub

🎙️ About Our GuestJoanna Yarrow helps run Human Nature Places, a property development company that designs, builds, and manages neighborhoods that make sustainable living easier. With a background shaped by growing up in a woodland in Sussex with environmentally conscious parents in the 1970s, Joanna has dedicated her career to making sustainability accessible and appealing to mainstream audiences. She previously spent seven years leading sustainability initiatives at IKEA, where she helped integrate environmental considerations into everyday product design and business operations.

👫 Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton
Production: Soundquake
Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner
Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

💚 Help us make the show better! Share your feedback

Rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

Apply now

“That’s genius!” - Charlie Luxton in response to Gbemi’s revolutionary new idea… In this episode of our Anthropy special series recorded at the Eden Project, we speak with Dr. Gbemi Oluleye from Imperial College London. Gbemi brings a refreshing academic perspective to how businesses can make sustainable transitions affordable. As a lecturer at the Grantham Institute, she leads research on making sustainability economically viable for the manufacturing sector while also running executive education programs for sustainability officers. Gbemi discusses the need for convergent thinking, offers a sobering assessment of how late the sustainability movement started, and proposes a revolutionary new metric to track how planetary degradation impacts human productivity.

🎯 Key Takeaways1. It's not just the cost, but how we see costs

We tend to view sustainability as a burden rather than risk mitigation
Poor accounting practices fail to consider whole system value
What appears as a cost to one business may be value to another in the supply chain
Example: Housing retrofit costs are viewed as a burden rather than as societal savings

2. Convergent thinking is the most valuable business skill for the future

We've moved from multidisciplinary to interdisciplinary and now need convergent thinking
Current education creates divergent thinkers who operate in silos
Universities are restructuring around global problems rather than traditional disciplines
Holistic perspectives are essential to extract economic value from sustainability

3. The sustainability movement started too late

Materials like rubber, iron, steel, and cement were invented centuries before sustainability was considered
We've "had years to do rubbish" and now face urgent pressure to fix it
The delay makes the challenge harder, though opportunities still exist to catch up

4. We need a metric for planetary impact on human productivity

Current metrics focus on human impact on planet, not how planetary degradation affects people
A "Gbemi scale" would measure how environmental changes affect individuals
People connect more with health impacts than abstract concepts like sea level rise
Linking sustainability to personal productivity could be a game-changer for business adoption

5. Businesses need safe spaces to discuss implementation challenges

Sustainability rhetoric vs. business reality creates a significant disconnect
Companies put on a show of knowing what they're doing when many don't
CSO teams often operate separately from core business functions
Executives lack time to integrate sustainability into existing responsibilities

⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps1. Adopt whole-system accounting practices in your organisation

2. Create cross-functional sustainability teams

3. Connect environmental metrics to human impacts

❓ Got a question?

Ask us and we'll try our best to answer it in the show!

podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org

🔄 Share Your Impact

Let us know how you implemented these actions
Submit your case study
Join our Sustainability Solved Hub

🎙️ About Our GuestDr. Gbemi Oluleye is a lecturer at the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, where she leads research activities focused on making sustainable transitions affordable for industry and the manufacturing sector. She translates her research into executive education programs for chief sustainability officers and sustainability leads, helping them implement strategies in cost-effective ways. Gbemi also teaches Masters students at Imperial on creating sustainable futures, focusing on both the economics and innovation required to drive change.

👫 Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton
Production: Soundquake
Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner
Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

💚 Help us make the show better! Share your feedback

Rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

Apply now

Continuing our Anthropy special series from the Eden Project, we speak with Andy Jasper, CEO of the Eden Project itself. Andy shares his philosophy that sustainability should follow regeneration - that we need to boost and accelerate natural systems before we can sustain them. With a career spanning the RHS, National Trust, and now Eden Project, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge about how large-scale environmental projects can transform landscapes and communities. He discusses Eden's global expansion with projects in China, Costa Rica, and across the UK, and shares his perspective on the importance of confidence and optimism as key skills for business leaders navigating the sustainability transition.

🎯 Key Takeaways1. Regeneration before sustainability

Andy challenges the term "sustainability" itself, arguing we shouldn't just sustain everything at its current level
First regenerate natural systems and accelerate restoration, then sustain them
The Eden Project itself exemplifies this approach - transforming barren clay pits into thriving ecosystems

2. Global Eden Projects are expanding the model worldwide

Eden Project China opening June 2025
65,000-hectare restoration project in Costa Rica transforming slash-and-burn farming to sustainable cacao production
New UK Eden Project sites planned for Morecambe and Dundee with unique local connections

3. Confidence and optimism are essential business skills

Having confidence to make decisions with incomplete information (80% is enough)
Optimism allows better framing and solving of problems
Willingness to embrace failure as part of the innovation process

4. Nature has no waste - and neither should we

Everything in nature is repurposed as part of a system
Human systems create unnecessary byproducts and waste
Circular economy principles should be applied to all new projects

⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps1. Focus on soil health in your garden or community

2. Involve diverse perspectives in decision-making

3. Try circular economy practices in your next project

❓ Got a question?

Ask us and we'll try our best to answer it in the show!

podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org

🔄 Share Your Impact

Let us know how you implemented these actions
Submit your case study
Join our Sustainability Solved Hub

🎙️ About Our GuestAndy Jasper is the CEO of the Eden Project, a role he took up six months prior to this interview. With a background as Director of Gardens and Parklands for the National Trust and Director of the Investment Program for the Royal Horticultural Society, Andy has had what he describes as "one of the best careers in the world, working in gardens, traveling around the world, and helping make botanic gardens more beautiful and greener places." He previously worked at Eden as Head of Research and Evaluation, giving him deep insight into the organisation's operations and impact.

👫 Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton
Production: Soundquake
Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner
Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

💚 Help us make the show better! Share your feedback

Rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

Apply now

Welcome to our special Anthropy25 mini-series, recorded live at the Eden Project in Cornwall! Anthropy brings together business leaders, politicians, NGOs, and emerging leaders to tackle society's biggest sustainability challenges. In this episode, we speak with Andy Middleton about place-based change, breakthrough businesses, and what he calls "the cool stuff that hasn't been tried yet." Andy shares insights on how funding structures often discourage collaboration and how changing this could accelerate sustainability solutions. He also discusses the potential of hyper-localism and the importance of embracing uncertainty as we transition to a more sustainable future.

🎯 Key Takeaways1. The power of connecting the right people

Some of the biggest sustainability breakthroughs happen when people who've never been in the same room start talking
Example: The Wales Obesity Alliance has no food companies involved, showing a critical disconnect
Bringing diverse stakeholders together can lead to "massive quick shifts" in solving complex problems

2. Short-term funding creates short-term thinking

75% of environmental funding in the UK is for one year or less
This creates a "death spiral" where organisations are trained to think small and certain
Shifting to longer-term funding (3+ years) would encourage more expansive thinking and innovation

3. Breakthrough businesses are ready to scale

High-potential, high-impact businesses are already developing solutions that could transform entire industries
Example: A company making powdered egg replacement from fungi that could eliminate 300 million tons of chicken feed annually
These possibilities exist now but aren't talked about enough

4. Curiosity and embracing uncertainty are essential skills

The ability to lean into uncertainty rather than shy away from it will be increasingly valuable
Teaching this mindset to children creates flexibility and openness to new solutions
Relationships will become more valued than material possessions in a post-growth world

⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps1. Switch your pension to ethical investments

2. Talk about positive changes you want to see

3. Build your sustainability tribe

🛠️ Tools & ResourcesBooks:

"Hospicing Modernity" by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira - A powerful exploration of transitioning beyond modern society

Organizations:

Unreasonable - An impact accelerator bringing together high-potential sustainability businesses
The Path - Ethical financial planning and pension provider
Do Good Faster - Andy's organization that helps businesses find and repurpose lost money for sustainability initiatives

Projects:

Hard as Nails - Project to engage men in conversations about toxic masculinity

🎙️ About Our GuestAndy Middleton has been an early pioneer in the B Corp movement in the UK. He founded TYF, an adventure and education company in Wales, and now runs multiple social impact initiatives including Do Good Faster. Andy's work focuses on accelerating sustainability solutions through business, education, and place-based change.

💚 Help us make the show better!Share your feedback at podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

Apply now

Working with your competitors might sound counterintuitive, but it could be your smartest business strategy. In this revealing conversation with Sebastian Munden (Chair of Ad Net Zero) and Fiona Ball (Group Director for Sustainability at Sky), discover why sustainability challenges are creating unexpected alliances that benefit everyone's bottom line. Learn how standardised measurement tools, shared best practices, and coordinated action can reduce costs, accelerate innovation, and create market differentiation - while still maintaining healthy competition where it matters most. For business leaders looking beyond short-term thinking, this episode provides actionable frameworks to turn industry collaboration into competitive advantage.

🎯 Key Takeaways

The Power of Industry Collaboration
Breaking sustainability barriers often requires collective action across an entire industry. By working with peers and competitors on common environmental challenges, businesses can create standardised tools, share best practices, and solve systemic issues impossible to tackle alone. As Sebastian notes, "There are some problems that people can come together on, problems that they can't solve on their own."
Target, Measure, Act: A Framework for Progress
Successful sustainability collaboration hinges on clear goals and consistent measurement. By setting shared targets, agreeing on common metrics, and tracking progress together, industry-wide initiatives avoid getting sidetracked by competing methodologies. This approach has enabled Sky to reduce their absolute emissions by 17% since 2018 and provides smaller organisations with proven tools they couldn't develop independently.
Balancing Competition and Collaboration
The most effective industry initiatives clearly define where companies work together and where they compete. As Sebastian explains, "identify where collaborative action will really make a difference, and where competition might get you there faster." This carefully structured approach avoids legal pitfalls while encouraging innovation in areas where competition serves the greater good.

⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps

1️⃣Join Your Industry's Sustainability Initiative

2️⃣ Implement the "Target, Measure, Act" Approach

3️⃣ Share Your Sustainability Journey Transparently

🛠 Tools & Resources

Ad Net Zero - Industry initiative for sustainability in advertising
"Sustainable Advertising" book by Matt Bourne and Sebastian Munden
Sky Zero Footprint Fund - £2 million fund for sustainable advertising
WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) - NGO working on circular economy initiatives
Kyoto @ Sohoplace

❓ Got a question?

Ask us and we'll try our best to answer it in the show!

podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org

🔄 Share Your Impact

Let us know how you implemented these actions
Submit your case study
Join our Sustainability Solved Hub

🎙 Guests

Sebastian Munden

Connect: Chair of AdNet Zero
Chair of WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme)
Former CEO of Unilever UK and Ireland
Co-author of "Sustainable Advertising"

Fiona Ball

Connect: Group Director for Bigger Picture and Sustainability at Sky
Lead for Sky Zero campaign
Pioneer in media industry sustainability initiatives

🏢 Green Element Group

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click 'Got a Coupon' and enter code 'PODCAST' to claim a 20% discount.

👫 Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton
Production: Soundquake
Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner
Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

💚 Help us make the show better! Share your feedback

Rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

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With environmental legislation stalled in Parliament, forward-thinking businesses aren't waiting for government action. In this episode we go behind the scenes in Westminster with former ocean rower turned MP Roz Savage, who reveals why political uncertainty shouldn't slow your sustainability journey - and how proactive businesses are turning environmental leadership into competitive advantage. Learn practical strategies for future-proofing your organisation while building customer and employee loyalty through environmental innovation.

🎯 Key Takeaways

The Business Case for Environmental Leadership

Political gridlock on environmental issues is creating opportunities for proactive businesses. Companies taking initiative on sustainability are seeing increased customer loyalty, stronger employee engagement, and better positioning for inevitable future regulations. As Roz notes, "Young people going into work want to do something that feels purpose-led."

Community-Driven Solutions Are Gaining Power

With government action limited, local initiatives and business-community partnerships are becoming crucial drivers of environmental progress. From tool-sharing schemes to community fridges, organisations finding ways to support local sustainability efforts are building valuable goodwill and resilience.

Preparing for Future Regulation

While the Climate and Nature Bill faced setbacks, similar measures are likely to return. Smart businesses are getting ahead by implementing environmental strategies now, rather than scrambling to comply later. As one law firm noted, clients without sustainability plans are increasingly seen as high-risk investments.

⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps

1️⃣ Map Your Environmental Risk and Opportunity

Time commitment: 2-3 hours
Resource needed: Compare Your Footprint software (20% discount with code 'PODCAST')
Success indicator: Clear understanding of your biggest environmental impacts and opportunities

2️⃣ Build Local Sustainability Partnerships

Time commitment: 4-6 hours monthly
Resource needed: Local business networks and community groups
Success indicator: At least one active community environmental partnership established

3️⃣ Develop a Regulation-Ready Strategy

Time commitment: 1-2 days
Resource needed: Current environmental standards and industry benchmarks
Success indicator: Environmental action plan that exceeds minimum compliance levels

❓ Got a question?

Ask us and we'll try our best to answer it in the show!

podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org

🔄 Share Your Impact

Help build our community of practice:

Let us know how you implemented these actions
Submit your case study
Join our Sustainability Solved Hub

🎙 Guest

Roz Savage MP - Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds
Connect: https://members.parliament.uk/member/5352/contact

🛠 Tools & Resources

"The Ocean in a Drop" - Book by Roz Savage exploring why humans struggle to address environmental challenges
Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester - Mentioned as a hub for agricultural knowledge sharing
Better Business Act - Referenced in discussion of business-led environmental initiatives
B Corp Certification - Highlighted as an example of business sustainability leadership
Leaders Pledge for Nature - International agreement mentioned in discussion of environmental commitments
Global Biodiversity Framework - Referenced environmental agreement

🏢 Green Element Group

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click 'Got a Coupon' and enter code 'PODCAST' to claim discount.

👫 Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton
Production: Soundquake
Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner
Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

💚 Help us make the show better! Share your feedback

Rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

Apply now

How does one of the UK's largest infrastructure companies successfully transition 27,000 employees to achieve net zero? Abby Chicken, Head of Sustainability at Openreach, reveals practical strategies for tackling major sustainability challenges - from electrifying the UK's second-largest van fleet to engaging thousands of employees and suppliers in sustainable practices. Whether you're leading a large-scale transformation or just starting your sustainability journey, this episode provides actionable insights on driving organisational change while maintaining business performance.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

Infrastructure Transition

Fleet electrification is a major challenge for large organisations but critical for meeting net zero targets
Openreach is successfully converting their massive van fleet to EVs by tackling infrastructure, behaviour change, and practical challenges simultaneously

Stakeholder Engagement

Success requires buy-in across all levels, from field engineers to finance
Openreach uses different messaging for different audiences - from clean air benefits for those with asthmatic children to ESG requirements for raising capital

Supplier Integration

Net zero goals require transformation across the entire supply chain
Openreach embeds carbon reduction requirements in supplier contracts and shares best practices across their network

⚡ Quick Wins (Next 24 Hours):

Action 1: Map your sustainability messaging [30 mins]

Resource needed: Stakeholder mapping template

Success indicator: Different value propositions identified for key stakeholder groups

Action 2: Audit supplier contracts [2 hours]

Resource needed: Current supplier agreements

Success indicator: Opportunities identified to embed sustainability requirements

Action 3: Identify potential sustainability champions [1 hour]

Resource needed: Employee roster and team structure

Success indicator: List of employees who demonstrate both business acumen and sustainability interest, representing different departments/levels

❓ Got a question?

We’re here to help you with your sustainability problems. Submit a question for the show here

🔄 Share Your Impact:

Help build our community of practice:

Let us know how you implemented these actions: podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org
Submit your case study
Join our Sustainability Solved Hub

🛠 Tools & Resources:

Reading Recommendations:

Material World by Ed Conway - Deep dive into the raw materials shaping our future
How to Get Big Things Done by Bent Flyverberg and Dan Gardner

🎙 Guest:

Abby Chicken

Head of Sustainability, Openreach

Connect: LinkedIn

Organisation: Openreach

🏢 Green Element Group

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click 'Got a Coupon' and enter code 'PODCAST' to claim discount.

👫 Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton

Production: Soundquake

Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner

Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

💚 Help us improve! Share your feedback

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

Apply now

From bottles to biodiversity! Welcome to Sustainability Solved! In this episode, hosts Will and Charlie dive into the fascinating world of wine and sustainability with Dom De Ville from the Wine Society. First set up in 1874 by a bunch of people who wanted to pay a fair price for their booze, the Wine Society is leading the charge in tackling supply chain emissions, improving agricultural practices, and supporting winemakers across the globe. If you're curious about Scope 3 emissions, regenerative viticulture, and innovative approaches to sustainability, this episode is for you.

Join the Sustainability Solved Hub to collaborate, ask questions, and share insights.

Case Study Format

Problem

The wine industry faces mounting sustainability challenges:

Scope 3 Emissions: 94% of the Wine Society's carbon footprint comes from their supply chain, particularly in wine production, glass bottle manufacturing, and shipping.
Climate Change: Extreme weather patterns, droughts, and floods are threatening vineyards worldwide.
Human Rights Risks: Reliance on seasonal, often migrant, labour raises ethical concerns.
Biodiversity Loss: Conventional farming practices, such as pesticide and herbicide use, degrade soil and ecosystems.

Solutions

Investing in Suppliers (Insetting):

Instead of traditional carbon offsets, the Wine Society invests directly in their growers through a Climate and Nature Fund. This supports projects like regenerative farming and reforestation.
Examples include hydro-seeding trials, agroforestry initiatives, and providing seed money for transitioning to regenerative viticulture.

Reducing Glass Bottle Emissions:

The Wine Society collaborated with 12 retailers through the Bottle Weight Accord to reduce bottle weights by 2027, significantly lowering emissions.

Regenerative Agriculture:

Encouraging natural solutions, such as planting cover crops, using sheep for natural fertilisation, and avoiding soil tillage to preserve carbon stores.

Collaboration:

Active involvement in the Sustainable Wine Roundtable and the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation to share knowledge and best practices across the industry.

Producers Making a Difference:

Highlighting sustainable suppliers on their website to incentivise greener practices and reward innovation.

Results

Direct investment of £65,000 per year into supply chain projects, supporting growers in transitioning to more sustainable practices.
A unified industry effort to reduce glass bottle weights, potentially transforming the carbon footprint of millions of bottles annually.
Positive relationships with suppliers, fostering long-term partnerships and encouraging sustainable innovation.

Takeaways

Pay a Fair Price: Sustainability in supply chains requires investment and fair compensation for producers.
Insetting Over Offsetting: Direct investment in suppliers creates measurable, on-the-ground impact while improving relationships.
Collaboration is Key: Solving sustainability challenges requires industry-wide cooperation and shared solutions.
Regenerative Practices Work: Nature-based approaches not only improve biodiversity but also increase resilience to climate change.

Resources

The Wine Society: thewinesociety.com
Sustainable Wine Roundtable: An industry forum driving collaborative change: https://swroundtable.org/
Regenerative Viticulture Foundation: Supporting growers in adopting sustainable, regenerative practices https://www.regenerativeviticulture.org/
Producers Making a Difference: Explore sustainable winemakers on the Wine Society's website: https://www.thewinesociety.com/buy/wines/producers-making-a-difference/
Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
Ministry for the future by Kim Stanley Robinson

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

Sponsors

This episode is brought to you by Business Declares, a network inspiring businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency. Learn more at Business Declares.

Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton

Production: Soundquake

Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner

Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

For questions or feedback, email us at podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org.

Tune in next time for more stories on sustainability and business innovation!

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

Apply now

Did you know you probably emit more CO2 from your website than your travel! Welcome to Sustainability Solved! In this episode, hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton explore a surprising yet critical issue: digital emissions! Joined by Tom Greenwood and Georgie Monaghan of Wholegrain Digital, the conversation covers everything from the environmental impact of websites to how organisations can reduce their digital carbon footprint. This discussion offers actionable insights for anyone with a digital footprint (Yes, that’s probably you).

ProblemDigital emissions, often overlooked, contribute 4% of global carbon emissions, surpassing the aviation sector. Organisations frequently underestimate their digital footprint, focusing instead on areas like travel. This lack of awareness results in inefficient websites, high electricity usage from data centres, and excessive consumption of new tech.

SolutionsOptimising Websites:

Build lightweight websites using lean code to minimise energy usage.
Audit and reduce resource-heavy elements like autoplay videos, large images, and redundant scripts.
Adopt green hosting providers powered by renewable energy.

Promoting Awareness:

Use tools like the Website Carbon Calculator to measure digital impact.
Encourage transparency about digital emissions in board-level discussions.

Extending Equipment Lifespan:

Repair and refurbish devices instead of replacing them.
Purchase refurbished technology and prioritise products with high repairability scores.

Innovative Cooling for Data Centres:

Explore creative solutions like reusing data centre heat for community swimming pools or industrial applications.

Results* Wholegrain Digital reduced one client’s website emissions by 94% through creative pixelation and optimisation techniques. * Organisations like the UK Green Building Council have embraced these practices, integrating sustainability into their core operations and communications. * Businesses are now reporting digital emissions at board level, leading to greater accountability and alignment with sustainability goals.

Takeaways Awareness is Key: Educate teams about the impact of digital emissions and their role in reducing them. * Start Small, Think Big: Begin with low-hanging fruits like using dark mode, adjusting video quality, and switching to green hosting. * Leverage Tools: Utilise resources like the Digital Declutter Toolkit to identify actionable changes. * Continuous Maintenance*: Regularly review and optimise websites and digital processes to sustain long-term benefits.

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

Mentions and Resources

Possible by Chris Goodall
The Ministry for the Future
Sustainable Web Design by Tom Greenwood
UKGBC.ORG
Deep Green
Greenpeace, Click, Clean
Tom Greenwood Substack

Sponsors

This episode is brought to you by Business Declares, a network inspiring businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency. Learn more at Business Declares.

Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton

Production: Soundquake

Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner

Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

For questions or feedback, email us at podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org.

Tune in next time for more stories on sustainability and business innovation!

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply to become a Green Element Ambassador today!

Earn extra income while being part of a growing community accelerating the sustainable future we all need.

Apply now

Welcome back to Sustainability Solved, this time with a twist! Hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton chat with Sam Hamilton-Turner, co-founder of Soundquake, a purpose-driven podcast production company (now making this very podcast!) . Sam shares the story of Soundquake's transformation from a conventional, transactional business into a company with a clear focus on sustainability and purpose. He discusses the challenges, solutions, and lessons learned along the way.

Problem

Soundquake initially operated as a generalist audio production company, taking on various projects without a focus or direction. This approach resulted in a lack of purpose, excessive travel, economic instability, and an unsustainable business model that conflicted with the founders' personal values, especially as they became more environmentally conscious.

Solutions

Client Selection: The company began working exclusively with clients aligned with sustainability values, turning down projects that didn’t fit this criteria.
Remote Work: They closed their Cardiff office and moved to remote working, reducing the need for travel and office-related emissions.
Sustainable Procurement: Opted for high-quality, second-hand equipment to minimise electronic waste.
Niche Focus: Specialised in purpose-driven podcasts, allowing them to become a go-to provider for other purpose-driven people.

Results

Greater Alignment: The business is now fully aligned with the founders’ values, leading to deeper fulfilment and motivation.
New Market Opportunities: Focusing on sustainability has attracted more suitable clients and opened up new business prospects.
Environmental Impact Reduction: Remote work significantly lowered travel emissions, and using second-hand equipment helped decrease electronic waste.

Takeaways

Align Business with Values: Choose clients and projects that reflect your organisation’s mission for a more meaningful impact.
Niche Specialisation Drives Success: Focusing on a specific area can unlock unique opportunities and differentiate your brand.
Saying No Can Lead to Better Opportunities: Declining projects that don’t align with your mission can open doors to more suitable and impactful work.
Adopt Flexible, Sustainable Practices: Remote work and sustainable purchasing can improve both environmental impact and business efficiency.

Mentions & Resources:

Hook Norton Community Land Trust
The Ministry for the Future
Clean Creatives
SDG Action Manager

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

Sponsors

This episode is brought to you by Business Declares, a network inspiring businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency. Learn more at Business Declares.

Credits

Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton

Production: Soundquake

Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner

Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

For questions or feedback, email us at podcast@sustainabilitysolved.org.

Tune in next time for more stories on sustainability and business innovation!

Mentioned in this episode:

Green Element advert

Visit greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/promotion and Quote ‘CYFPODCAST’ for a 20% discount to get started on your environmental journey. Terms & Conditions apply

In this episode, we explore the world of sustainable housing design, highlighting award-winning projects and the innovative strategies driving the industry forward.

Hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton are joined by special guests David Birkbeck, Managing Director of Design for Homes, and Richard Williams, Development Manager at VELUX.

They dive into the highlights from the 2024 Housing Design Awards, the UK’s longest-running awards program celebrating excellence in housing design. Discover how this year’s winning projects are pushing the boundaries of sustainability and community engagement.

Sustainability in Housing

Sustainability is now a core aspect of housing design, evolving beyond energy efficiency to include goals like biodiversity and biophilic design, which foster a deeper connection to nature.
David Birkbeck explains how architectural awards are setting higher standards for daylight, outdoor spaces, and overall liveability, shaping industry practices.

Innovative Housing Projects

The Blenheim Estate’s Hill Rise development exemplifies a model that minimises car use and integrates green spaces, creating more pedestrian-friendly streets.
A new project in Lewes focuses on shared mobility hubs to reduce individual car ownership and improve community spaces.
Richard highlights the Alkerden Gateway project’s adaptable living spaces and the Appleby Blue Almshouses’ blend of outdoor spaces with community living for seniors.

Environmental Impact and Design Innovations

Richard discusses the “Living Spaces” project’s success in lowering embodied carbon by using alternative materials and notes Denmark and the Netherlands as leaders in this approach.
Velux reinvests 90% of its profits into health and environmental research, demonstrating a strong commitment to healthier living environments.

Future of Housing Innovation

Innovative designs from smaller developers are increasingly being adopted by larger firms, showing a growing acceptance of high-quality, efficient housing solutions.
Richard and David highlight the rising focus on mental health in housing design, emphasising the benefits of daylight and environmental quality as shown in recent award-winning projects.

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Grouphereand benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares

Mentioned in this episode:

Green Element advert

Visit greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/promotion and Quote ‘CYFPODCAST’ for a 20% discount to get started on your environmental journey. Terms & Conditions apply

In this episode, hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton dive into a pressing issue within the construction industry – pallet waste.

Each year, the industry uses around 20 million pallets, yet only 10% are recovered or reused. The rest end up in landfills, contributing to significant waste and environmental damage.

Joining the discussion is Paul Lewis, Founder of Pallet Loop, who is on a mission to transform how pallets are used, tracked, and reused in construction. Paul shares how his innovative approach is set to tackle this issue.

Key Highlights:

The Pallet Loop Initiative:

Discover how Pallet Loop is pioneering the first reusable, trackable, and returnable pallet specifically for construction, potentially cutting pallet-related emissions by 40%.
Paul compares the construction industry to the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, where reuse rates reach 98%.
Learn about the deposit-based model inspired by Germany and Norway’s bottle recycling schemes, designed to maintain the value of pallets.
Explore the innovative logistics system Pallet Loop has developed, featuring Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to efficiently recover pallets.

Economic and Environmental Impact:

Paul reveals shocking statistics: 6000 acres of forestry are felled annually to produce single-use pallets for construction.
Hear how poor design contributes to waste and how Pallet Loop promotes standardisation from the outset to combat this issue.
Understand how Pallet Loop not only reduces waste and carbon emissions but also offers a cost-effective solution for the supply chain.
Paul discusses how Pallet Loop has helped suppliers like British Gypsum meet their Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) goals, addressing Scope 3 emissions without increasing cost for clients.

Overcoming Industry Resistance:

The discussion highlights the challenges of persuading a traditionally change-resistant industry to adopt sustainable practices, often hindered by economic pressures and procurement processes.
Paul outlines his vision to overcome these barriers by extending reuse principles throughout the entire construction supply chain, with plans to expand the loop system to include other materials like cement bags and bulk packaging.

Resources:

Pallet Loop

British Gypsum

Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMGC) Industry

Germany’s bottle recycling system

Norway’s recycling program

RFID technology

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub. 

Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount. 

A big thank you to our sponsors!

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency. 

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change. 

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares 

Mentioned in this episode:

Green Element advert

Visit greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/promotion and Quote ‘CYFPODCAST’ for a 20% discount to get started on your environmental journey. Terms & Conditions apply

E189 Shownotes: The Football Sustainability Index

In this episode, we delve into the transformative world of football sustainability.

We explore the Football Sustainability Index, a groundbreaking initiative assessing clubs on their environmental impact, equality standards, financial sustainability, and community engagement.

Joining us is Niall Couper from Fair Game, a volunteer-driven organisation dedicated to transforming the governance of football to ensure the sport contributes positively to its communities and operates sustainable. This episode uncovers the current challenges and vision for football’s sustainable future.

What is the Football Sustainability Index?

The index assesses football clubs on environmental impact, equality standards, financial sustainability, and community engagement.
Football clubs are not just teams. They are community hubs offering services like dementia groups, walking football, food banks, and environmental programs.

Current Challenges in Football:

The football culture often prioritises short-term gains through high player wages over long-term community investments.
The Premier League generates £3.19 billion annually, with most funds directed towards player wages, leaving minimal support for lower league clubs.
Example: For every £1,000 a Premier League club earns, only 15 pence goes to lower league clubs. Increasing this to £22 would greatly enhance community services.

Long-Term Vision for Football:

Encouraging clubs to adopt long-term thinking can strengthen community ties and create a more sustainable football ecosystem.
Clubs like AFC Wimbledon and Lincoln City exemplify how a long-term approach can yield both social and financial benefits.

Regulatory Framework and Financial Instability:

The football governance bill proposes an independent regulator to oversee financial distributions and ensure clubs meet sustainability criteria.
Since 2000, 64 clubs have gone into administration, with 58% of clubs in the top four divisions being technically insolvent.

ESG and Equal Pay in Football:

Niall highlights Dale Vince’s Green Code initiative promoting sustainability in football. Will discusses the holistic approach, including veganism, at Forest Green Rovers.
Niall suggests rewarding clubs adhering to sustainable practices to drive cultural change.
Niall emphasises the need for financial incentives for clubs excelling in sustainability and advocates integrating the Green Code into a broader sustainability index.
Niall covers Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions tracking and the importance of long-term thinking in football management.
The podcast concludes by discussing Fair Game’s efforts to create an index for clubs based on sustainability, social impact, and financial stability.

Resources:

Football Sustainability Index

Fair Game

Dale Vince’s Green Code

Mentioned in this episode:

Green Element advert

Visit greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/promotion and Quote ‘CYFPODCAST’ for a 20% discount to get started on your environmental journey. Terms & Conditions apply

In this episode of the Sustainability Solved Podcast, hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton are joined by Charlotte Harrington, Co-CEO of Belu Water, a social enterprise dedicated to clean water initiatives, exemplified by its partnership with WaterAid. To date, Belu has donated nearly £6 million to WaterAid by selling bottled water and filtration systems.

With a strong corporate retail background and a deep passion for sustainability, Charlotte is on a mission to revolutionise the bottled water industry by integrating purpose with profit. Tune in to discover how she and Belu Water are transforming how we consume water!

Key Highlights:

Charlotte discusses Belu’s unique co-leadership model, where two CEOs with different skill sets collaborate to enhance the company’s performance.
Belu started with the belief that businesses can help solve global problems. Charlotte shares the company’s journey from its inception by Reed Paget, to becoming a leading social enterprise committed to sustainability.
Every decision at Belu is filtered through the lens of environmental impact, ensuring that sustainability remains a core value.
Charlotte delves into Belu’s partnership with WaterAid, which provides unrestricted funds to support critical water and sanitation projects globally. Charlotte recounts a visit to Malawi, witnessing the life-changing impact of clean water access in rural communities.
Belu’s expansion to Hong Kong and Singapore is discussed, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of scaling a purpose-driven business internationally.
Charlie raises the discussion of the carbon footprint of bottled water compared to tap water. Charlotte acknowledges the environmental impact of bottled water but explains the practical challenges in the hospitality sector where bottled water remains crucial.
The growing adoption of filtration systems in restaurants and hotels is explored, providing a sustainable alternative to bottled water.
Charlotte explains her dissatisfaction with the carbon offset markets, which led Belue to focus on supporting nature-based solutions and biodiversity projects in the UK instead.

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares

Mentioned in this episode:

Green Element advert

Visit greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/promotion and Quote ‘CYFPODCAST’ for a 20% discount to get started on your environmental journey. Terms & Conditions apply

In this episode, hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton delve into the surprising intersection of tradition and sustainability within the funeral industry. Joined by Sarah Jones, Founder of award-winning Full Circle Funerals, the discussion uncovers how the age-old sector is undergoing a transformative shift towards embracing sustainable practices.

Fellow B Corp Full Circle Funerals stands at the forefront of this evolution by reframing funerals within the realm of health and social care. By prioritising holistic support and sustainability, Sarah challenges the conventional transactional approach of traditional funeral services.

The episode underscores the evolving landscape of funeral services, where sustainability is becoming integral to end-of-life planning and commemoration.

Highlights:

With approximately 600,000 funerals arranged annually in the UK, Sarah sheds light on the environmental impact of traditional flame cremations and explores alternative options like electric cremators and natural burials.
The conversation extends to personal choices in funeral arrangements and the importance of discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones.
Sarah’s book, Funerals Your Way, provides a resource for individuals to navigate their options and make informed decisions aligned with sustainability principles. Use code FYW25OFF for 25% off your copy here.
Through crowdfunding, Sarah initiated a groundbreaking study evaluating the environmental impact of different committal methods, including burial and cremation. Beyond carbon emissions, the study also considers factors like land usage, water consumption, space utilisation, and biodiversity.
Sarah highlights the benefits of natural burial, which involves shallow depth and biodegradable materials as potentially the most environmentally friendly option.
The conversation touches on the response of the funeral industry to sustainability efforts, with Sarah acknowledging the challenges of mobilising a diverse sector without regulatory guidance.
Will and Charlie share their personal experiences and perspectives, with Will discussing his decision to opt for a wicker basket burial for his father and reflects on the environmental impact of funeral practices.

Resources:

Full Circle Funerals

Funerals Your Way by Sarah Jones – use code FYW25OFF for 25% off!

Greener Funerals Research

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Grouphereand benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares

Mentioned in this episode:

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Visit greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/promotion and Quote ‘CYFPODCAST’ for a 20% discount to get started on your environmental journey. Terms & Conditions apply

E186: Show Notes

Title: Exploring Careers in Sustainability In this episode, hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton explore the booming landscape of sustainability careers, a sector that has witnessed huge growth in the UK job market. With sustainability-focused roles accounting for 1/3 of UK job postings, the industry has become a focal point for professionals looking to make positive environmental impact. To delve into this topic, we are joined by Serrol Osman, Director of Verdant Search, a renowned firm specialising in Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and sustainability recruitment. Together, they unpack the evolving dynamics of the industry and provide invaluable insights, advice, and strategies for individuals looking to transition into sustainability careers.

Market Dynamics and Industry Disruption:

· Serrol reflects on the rapid growth of sustainability careers up to 2022, noting a slowdown due to global economic factors.

· The discussion covers shifts in salary structures, challenges in accommodating rising costs, and talent shortages at mid-level positions.

· Despite uncertainties, Serrol predicts continued growth driven by regulatory changes and corporate sustainability initiatives.

Confusion and Evolution in Job Descriptions:

· The podcast addresses confusion in job descriptions amidst the fast-paced evolution of sustainability roles.

· Serrol discusses challenges in finding the right talent, inconsistent salaries, and the need for clear job definitions to streamline recruitment processes.

Demand for Purpose-Led Companies:

· Both hosts emphasise candidates' desire to work for purpose-driven companies.

· Serrol underscores the importance of aligning company values with employee aspirations for enhanced retention and growth.

Evolution of Recruitment Profiles:

· Serrol predicts that, like digital transformation, specialised sustainability roles will be integrated into traditional business operations.

· The discussion highlights the role of sustainability leadership and reporting structures in driving meaningful organisational change.

AI and Future Job Trends:

· Serrol offers insights into AI's potential impact on green jobs, predicting shifts in productivity and new roles in design, research, and policy.

· Serrol stresses the significance of soft skills and emerging opportunities within the sustainability domain.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals:

· Serrol advises aspiring professionals to assess their skill sets and explore opportunities in education, voluntary sectors, and current companies.

· The discussion emphasises starting with broad sustainability concepts before specialisation and the value of diverse skill sets, including communication and adaptability.

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub. Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares

Mentioned in this episode:

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Visit greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/promotion and Quote ‘CYFPODCAST’ for a 20% discount to get started on your environmental journey. Terms & Conditions apply

In this episode we look at the funny side of Climate Change with award winning comedian, podcaster and business speaker, Stuart Goldsmith. He grabbed the headlines at the Edinburgh Festival in 2023 with his show about Climate Change, called Spoilers. Stuart talks about his journey in stand-up over the last 20 years, and his mission to engage a wider audience on Climate Change through comedy.

Why did Stuart Goldsmith decide to make jokes about Climate Change?

Stuart talks about spending 10 years as a street performer and his increasing feeling of ‘eco-dread’. He acted on this feeling by writing and performing comedy about Climate Change.
Stuart talks about the challenges of performing material about the Climate Crisis to audiences.

How does Climate Change comedy compare to activism?

Charlie asks Stuart whether this was a form of activism. Stuart has attended Extinction Rebellion protests and a Just Stop Oil meeting. He respects their commitment but didn’t feel like these were his normal social group.
Will highlights when we tackle a new way of sending a message, it is a kind of activism. Will compares it to when he worked in sustainability in the early days of his career.
Stuart talks about his journey writing jokes on the Climate Crisis and soliciting climate confessions from the audience. But tries to go further and influence his more famous comedy friends to include the topic in their material.
Stuart wants his audiences to feel more comfortable starting a conversion about Climate Change with friends.
Stuart also shares a joke about flying business class.

How does Stuart gather research?

Stuart talks about taking part in Climate Fresk, a workshop designed to teach the fundamental science behind Climate Change, and also playing EN-ROADS, an online simulator with the ability to test and explore cross-sector climate solutions.
Will and Stuart discuss the impact of flying that’s both negative and positive to society.
Stuart talks about interviewing people for his podcast, The Comedian’s Comedian, using one example of a global sustainability person for a huge US investment bank talking about Climate Change, politics, and Trump. This interviewee stressed that capital money has decided that [Climate Change] is real, so we can’t pretend it’s not real.
Charlie offers the example of Trump supporting the reopening of coal mines, but none opened because no-one would invest in them.
Stuart raises climate justice, and the fact people are already running for their lives. He asks what will humanity look like in the future?
Charlie responds by quoting James Lovelock’s Gaia hypothesis, where he recorded that if we hit an increase if 5-5 degrees above pre-industrial levels we could go from 8 billion people down to 1.5 billion living in the far North and far South.

What’s the worst thing Stuart jokes about?

Stuart doesn’t communicate how horrible a topic is to his audience, or they will stop listening. He thinks we need to safeguard our mental health.
Stuart talks about being a parent and offers a ‘worst thing’ joke related to his fellow playground dad’s kids.

Audience demographics and narrative

Will asks Stuart about the type of audience he usually attracts. Stuart says it depends where he’s performing but usually white middle-class. If he was a 20-something Tik Tok sensation it would be different.
Stuart talks about the conversations he has with his audience after the show, like when vegans ask him why he hasn’t told everyone to go vegan.
Stuart likes to attract people from all sorts of backgrounds, ethnicities, and diversities onto his podcast.
Charlie and Stuart discuss how to change the narrative of telling people not to do x,y,z because of Climate Change to the benefits to a society by becoming more sustainable.
Stuart mentions George Marshall’s book Why Our Brains Are Wired to Ignore Climate Change (climateoutreach.org).
Stuart mentions Sandra Steingraber’s save the world’ symphony quote.

What top things should we do to act on Climate Change?

Will asks people to change their bank account and get an ethical pension fund.
Charlie says change energy supplier and Will follows with energy efficiency in the home.
Stuart mentions he used the Cheese Project, who offer thermal imaging surveys to locate draughts in your home.

Resources:

Comedian & Speaker Stuart Goldsmith | United Kingdom

Climate | Stuart Goldsmith

Podcast | Stuart Goldsmith

Climate Fresk

EN-ROADS

James Lovelock’s Gaia hypothesis

Why Our Brains Are Wired to Ignore Climate Change (climateoutreach.org)

Cheese Project

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Grouphereand benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares

Mentioned in this episode:

Green Element advert

Visit greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/promotion and Quote ‘CYFPODCAST’ for a 20% discount to get started on your environmental journey. Terms & Conditions apply

Season 5, Episode 184: Sustainable Standstill: Why major housebuilders aren’t going green This episode we interview Ian Pritchett, the co-founder of Greencore Homes in Oxfordshire. They build airtight, energy-efficient, timber frame houses, from their factory in Bicester. Ian shines a spotlight on the challenges of the ‘business-as-usual’ housebuilding planning system and champions the need for a new national planning policy that is fit for the future.

The problem

· Charlie asked Ian what the planning system is doing to respond to climate change challenges and pressures around development.

· Ian is frustrated at the planning system. Trying to do something different and better is a challenge. It gets closer scrutiny and there is more bureaucracy.

· National Government and housebuilders are focused on volume, not sustainability. They are more interested in avoiding a housing crisis, than a climate crisis.

Environmental impact

· Ian reports that every time a new house is built it generates over one hundred tons of carbon emissions (CO2), plus the use of the house will emit carbon. The total carbon budget for Oxfordshire’s five local authorities is 26.3m tonnes of CO2 by 2050. With their plan to build 100,000 new homes in the next 10 years, they will use between 80-100% of that budget on new housing alone.

· Sustainability regulations are dumbed down to keep volumes up. It is a choice between the quantity or the quality of housing. Ian explains that we can have both.

· Charlie asks Ian if we can build our way out of a housing crisis and why does volume win Government votes.

· Ian explains that we are living longer, there are smaller households and spare housing is not where employment is concentrated, hence why the Southeast is the focus of housebuilding.

A planning system fit for our future

· Ian wants a new national planning policy that is fit for the future and focuses on more important areas such as energy, carbon, wildlife, biodiversity, and community.

· Greencore’s mission is to move the house building industry from an unsustainable to sustainable model answering questions such as can you lock up more carbon than you emit? Can you generate more energy than you use? Can you improve wildlife and biodiversity? · Ian talks about how Greencore works to the One Planet Living framework. It is building places where people want to live and can live sustainably, can live happily and healthily.

· Charlie and Ian discuss the issue of landowner wealth and a need to involve the local community to ensure they benefit.

Are greener houses more expensive? · Will talks about how Cardiff University proved that an environmentally friendly home could be more affordable than a normal home.

· Ian reports that there are some higher costs when building sustainably at a smaller scale. However, these costs will come down when building at volume.

· Charlie offers an example of one of his affordable housing projects and how lower running costs could be included in rent and mortgage agreements.

· Ian talks about the idea of houses built to encourage zero energy bills and the problems with this not being valued by residents.

The problem with parking space

· Ian is concerned about housing schemes being dominated by parking and car ownership. He sees a future where we make more use of shared sustainable transport and offer examples of where this is happening. Decisions also need to be made around green space vs car parking space.

· Charlie and Will discuss the pros and cons of electric car sharing in housing projects.

How to innovate faster

· Ian talks about how economics will drive innovation in this space faster. One way is to reduce stamp duty on low-carbon homes which would drive demand, supply, and legislation.

· Will and Charlie discuss getting a better mortgage for a low-carbon home, and Charlie uses the Ecology Building Society as an example.

· Governor of the Bank of England [Mark Carney] announced at COP26 in Glasgow said that there $130 trillion of institutional money now committed to net zero.

· The conclusion from Ian is that the market and economics will drive change, not legislation.

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub. Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares

Mentioned in this episode:

Green Element advert

Visit greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/promotion and Quote ‘CYFPODCAST’ for a 20% discount to get started on your environmental journey. Terms & Conditions apply

In our latest episode, we sit down with hosts Will Richardson, CEO and Founder of Green Element Group, and Charlie Luxton, an architectural designer focusing on sustainability buildings. Will and Charlie kick off the new year by reflecting on their sustainability journeys, and discuss key trends in sustainability for the year 2024! The conversation touches on sustainable architecture, political shifts and media challenges impacting sustainability, technological advancements, diverse perspectives on environmental activism, and much more!

Starting 2024 with Sustainability:

Will and Charlie anticipate significant sustainability topics for the year, emphasising the urgency of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
Will advocates for proactive climate action rather than waiting for legislative mandates.

Charlie’s Sustainability Journey:

Charlie shares his early environmental interest, stemming from childhood experiences in Australia. His sustainability journey began with a realisation about the environmental impact of logging in the rainforest.
Discussing his transition from TV hosting to sustainability, architecture, and history, Charlie highlights his recent project “The Great British Restoration Challenge” focused on converting non-houses into homes.

Sustainable Architecture:

The conversation centres on integrating sustainability into architectural projects as a foundational aspect.
Charlie emphasises the importance of taking risks in sustainable practices, often testing innovative ideas on personal projects before implementing them for clients.
Both Will and Charlie discuss the significance of embodied carbon modelling in architectural projects.
Charlie expresses his excitement in AI’s role in optimising buildings, focusing on structure, servicing, thermal design, and orientation.

Embracing All Aspects of Sustainability

Both Will and Charlie share some diverse sustainability initiatives they have witnessed over the years, highlighting the importance of storytelling in showcasing complex sustainability scenarios.
Will discusses an audit of an Eon site with diverse perspectives of environmental activism, while Charlie recalls an industrial symbiosis network in Denmark involving a coal-fired station, plasterboard production, and a fish farm.

Political Shifts and Media Challenges

The hosts provide insights into political shifts, particularly in the US, and discuss potential impacts on sustainability.
Charlie expresses concerns about the media prioritising clickable headlines over fact-checking, shaping public opinion on sustainability.

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub.

Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click 'Got a Coupon' and enter code 'PODCAST' to claim discount.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

Business Declares:

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares

Mentioned in this episode:

Green Element advert

Visit greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/promotion and Quote ‘CYFPODCAST’ for a 20% discount to get started on your environmental journey. Terms & Conditions apply

In this episode, Andrew Griffiths, co-founder of the Carbon Accounting Alliance, sheds light on the Alliance’s mission to tackle sustainability challenges through collaboration. Backed by over 100 organisations and businesses, including Green Element and Compare Your Footprint, Andrew explains the Alliance's focus on promoting best practices and robust standards.

Interested businesses can easily join the Carbon Accounting Alliance by filling out a quick form. The process is open and accessible, aiming to create a supportive community without any current costs involved.

Highlights:

Carbon Accounting 101:

· Andrew simplifies carbon accounting, likening it to financial accounting – but with carbon instead of money! He explains the process of measuring carbon, the significance of carbon factors, and provides insights into achieving net-zero.

· Andrew discusses the Alliance’s primary objectives including policy alignment, standards, technical coherence, and communications to drive positive change.

· As of last month, the Carbon Accounting Alliance had measured a staggering 587,000,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and reported 6,000,000 tonnes of reductions.

Challenges and Solutions for Carbon Accounting:

Andrew delves into data collection as a barrier for organisations looking to manage their carbon footprint. He discusses governmental policy recommendations and initiatives like Project Perseus for seamless and automated data gathering.
The UK government has shown genuine interest in the Alliance’s proposals, signalling a potential bridge between business-led action and policy change.
The Carbon Accounting Alliance plans to streamline data collection, analysis, and assurance using technologies like open banking but for carbon data.

Collaboration is Key:

Andrew drives home the importance of collaboration in the industry and creating a safe space for professionals to connect, collaborate, and share experiences openly.
For the Carbon Accounting Alliance, success in the next 12 months relies on collaboration, influencing policy makers, and engaging with standards like ISO and net-zero guidelines to drive change.

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network.Find out more here: Business Declares

This month on the Sustainability Solved Podcast, our hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton delve into the world of sustainable brewing. Joining them from Berlin is Roland Pahl-Dobrick, the Beer Market Manager from Pall Filtration, to shed light on the intricacies and challenges of sustainability in brewing.

Brewing Process and Impact:

Unlike wine filtration, beer filtration faces unique challenges due to its scale, volume, and sensitivity as a product.
The conversation highlights the staggering waste generated by filtration processes in the brewing industry, estimated to reach tens of millions of tonnes.
Traditional beer filtration using Diatomaceous Earth (DE), a fossilised algae, produces substantial waste, rendering it unfit for recycling or reuse, particularly problematic for large breweries.

Sustainability Challenges and Progress in Brewing:

Roland discusses the industry’s movement away from DE filtration toward membrane-based filtration, which significantly curbs waste production by over 90%, leading to substantial water savings and reductions in carbon footprint.
Advancements in brewing technology have notably slashed water usage by up to 80% from previous decades.

Future of Sustainable Brewing:

Brewing companies are increasingly adopting robust sustainability programmes aimed at minimising waste, enhancing operational efficiency, and prioritising environmentally friendly production processes.
Consumer preferences, particular amongst the younger demographic, are driving companies to embrace eco-friendly technologies, aligning with evolving market demands.
Roland explains how attention is also being directed toward addressing the environmental impact of packaging, including efforts to lightweight materials, explore reusable packaging options, and consider more sustainable transportation methods.

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares

Title: Breaking Down COP28: The Critical Climate Conference

Welcome to a special episode of the Sustainability Solved Podcast!

In this episode, we introduce a brand-new co-host, Charlie Luxton, an architectural designer and TV presenter well-known for his passion for the built environmental and sustainability, as seen on Homes By The Sea and Building The Dream.

With COP28 just around the corner, we’ve invited guests with strong opinions to discuss one of the most significant events in the sustainability calendar. Our first guest is Georgia Elliot-Smith, environmental activist and the founder and managing director of sustainability consultancy Element Four. Joining us is Emma Littlewood, Strategy Director at Green Element Group, and creator of the comprehensive carbon footprinting platform, Compare Your Footprint.

Tune in as we dive deep into the inner workings of COP28, explore the impact of industry and capitalism, and discuss the prospects of revitalising this pivotal event for a sustainable future.

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help on accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares

Highlights:

COP28 Explained

Our guests delve into what COP is, its evolution, how the agenda is developed, and key sustainability milestones like the Rio Summit in 1992, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement in 2015.
Georgia shares her experience as an observer at COP, telling all about the ‘green zone’ for businesses and public, and the ‘blue zone’ – the heart of negotiations.

Oil and Gas at COP28:

Emma exposes the staggering subsidies offered to the oil and gas industry and their involvement in COP28.
Concerns are raised about this year’s COP28 host, the UAE, and their connections to the oil and gas industry.
Georgia reveals that the UK have given £20 billion more to fossil fuels than renewables post Paris Agreement.

Reviving COP:

We discuss how the merging of industry and governments is problematic in climate discussions, with our guests pushing for strict rules to limit corporate influence at COP.
The guest’s desire for COP28 to fail to pave the way for a more effective future is expressed.
Emma emphasises the critical outcome of COP28 to be immediate end to oil and gas exploration and a binding global deal to phase out fossil fuels.

Resources:

COP28

Element Four

Compare Your Footprint

Rio Summit 1992

Kyoto Protocol

Paris Agreement

Mentioned in this episode:

Business Declares Queue pre-roll

Two of the most pressing concerns of our generation are housing and the climate crisis. In the UK in particular, the housing stock is in desperate need of modernisation and improved insulation. But this problem isn’t limited to the UK; we need affordable housing that is better for the environment and more affordable to run. But how do we get there?

Today we are joined by two guests who are taking very different approaches to sustainable housing. Carl Gish is from Aro Homes, a US startup looking to replace existing dilapidated housing stock with new energy-efficient homes built off-site to Passivhaus standards. Marion Baeli is an architect, author, and board director of UK Passivhaus Trust. She has written about residential retrofits, and as a partner of Studio PDP, she worked on Princedale Road, the first Victorian residential retrofit in the UK to be certified in the Passivhaus Standard.

Highlights:

Retrofitting existing homes vs. creating new sustainable homes

· Marion explains how retrofitting existing homes addresses inefficiency, reduces energy demand, and supports the transition away from fossil fuels.

· Carl highlights the benefits of building new sustainable homes, including eliminating constraints associated with retrofitting.

· Carl emphasises the importance of constructing environmentally sound homes, given that around 23% of global carbon emissions come from single-family homes.

The net-zero challenge: balancing energy and emissions

· Achieving net-zero status for homes involves reducing embodied carbon, improving energy efficiency, and harnessing renewable energy sources.

· Both guests discuss the need for a unified approach to net-zero construction.

Cost considerations: retrofit vs. new construction

· Carl highlights how new constriction can offer efficiency advantages and cost savings.

· Marion discusses how step-by-step retrofitting is an option to spread costs over time and align with budgets.

· Marion emphasises the need for government policies and financial incentives to drive retrofitting initiatives on a larger scale.

Behavioural barriers and new technology

· Both guests highlight the importance of addressing behaviour as a barrier to retrofitting and the need to motivate homeowners to undergo disruptive home improvements.

· Carl introduces the concept of hydraloop technology, which recycles water in homes to reduce water wastage.

Resources: Passivhaus Standard Aro Homes Studio PDP Princedale Road; first Victorian residential retrofit in the UK Climate Change Committee Hydraloop Technology

Title: Striking a Chord for the Planet: Music's Journey to Sustainability

Story:

Welcome to an exciting episode of the Sustainability Solved Podcast, where our spotlight falls on an industry renowned for creativity and innovation: the music industry. The music industry has the power and influence to make huge strides in the environmental movement, but who is responsible for leading the change?

Our guests today have certainly struck a chord in the music industry for their leadership in sustainability: Lewis Jamieson, co-founder of Music Declares Emergency (MDE) and Hannah Cox, founder of Better Not Stop and author of the “More Than Music” report on sustainability at music festivals.

Together we explore how the music industry, artists, labels, fans, and governments hold key roles in steering the industry towards a more eco-conscious path.

This episode of the Sustainability Solved Podcast is sponsored by Good Citizens.

Good Citizens is an eyewear brand like no other. Born to untrash the planet of single-use plastic. Good Citizens turns a discarded single-use plastic bottle into a pair of 100% recycled frames. It took them 752 days & 2500+ failed attempts to perfect the first pair of sunglasses. Even more unique, the modular system means you can repair each part in seconds. So, if your dog munches on them, it’s all fixable.

Use this discount code GREEN20 to get $20AUD off and help untrash the planet.

Highlights: · Lewis sheds light on the motivations behind Music Declares Emergency, an initiative uniting artists, labels, and fans to address climate challenges. · Hannah, founder of Better Not Stop, discusses the “More Than Music” report on sustainability at music festivals. She explains her inspiration and the challenges music festivals face in adopting sustainable practices. · Lewis and Hannah discuss Coldplay’s groundbreaking eco-friendly world tour. They highlight the significance of Coldplay’s efforts in advancing discussion around sustainability in the music industry.

· The conversation delves into the idea of virtual concerts as a potential solution to reduce carbon emissions.

· Lewis candidly discusses the challenges of securing funding for climate-related initiatives in the music industry. He emphasises the lack of commitment to sustainable causes.

· Music festivals often take place in remote areas, posing challenges for government-driven public transport improvements. Lewis and Hannah discuss solutions to these challenges.

· Sustainability is more than just a cost: Hannah highlights the advantages of adopting sustainable frameworks and what to include.

· Spotlight on trailblazers making a significant impact on sustainability within the music industry like EarthPercent, Vision 2025, and Blue Dot Festival.

· Uncover the concept of “Climate Shadow”, revealing that individual actions extend beyond personal consumer choices.

Resources: Music Declares Emergency Better Not Stop More Than Music Report Coldplay’s eco-friendly tour Kendall Calling Festival EarthPercent Vision 2025 Green Events Code Blue Dot Festival

Australia is at the forefront of the climate change movement, facing the need to protect its biosecurity, enhance climate resilience, and overcome geographic isolation. Over the past five years Australia has made significant strides towards sustainability, particularly through its commitment to partnering with the private sector. Together, they aim to design out waste and pollution, promote material reuse, and work towards supporting the circular economy by 2023.

Join us in this month’s episode of our podcast as we delve into Australia’s role in tackling climate change and its unique sustainability challenges. Our special guests Dr. Mary Stewart and Arvind Sharma are renowned sustainability experts in Australia, bringing their valuable insights to the conversation. Dr. Mary Stewart is the CEO of Energetics, Australia’s leading specialist consultancy in energy and carbon management, and Arvind Sharma is the Executive Director and ESG and Sustainability Lead for Rennie Advisory. This episode of the Sustainability Solved Podcast is sponsored by Good Citizens.

Good Citizens is an eyewear brand like no other. Born to untrash the planet of single-use plastic. Good Citizens turns a discarded single-use plastic bottle into a pair of 100% recycled frames. It took them 752 days & 2500+ failed attempts to perfect the first pair of sunglasses. Even more unique, the modular system means you can repair each part in seconds. So, if your dog munches on them, it’s all fixable.

Use this discount code GREEN20 to get $20AUD off and help untrash the planet.

Highlights: - Mary emphasises the vast potential of the circular economy in Australia, with a focus on resource recovery, utilising recycled materials, effective waste management, and transitioning to renewable energy resources.

Australia’s distinct location and vulnerability to climate change posts unique sustainability challenges, coupled with the fragility of ecosystems that support its natural biodiversity. - Arvind sheds light on Australia’s revised sustainability targets under the Paris Agreement; it is evident that Australia is currently falling short of aligning with the 1.5°C pathway outlined by the IPCC.
Mary and Arvind delve into how Australia has responded to the significant rise in electricity prices, with many companies opting for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to manage

their energy price risks.

We explore the sustainability skills gap as a significant barrier hindering the accelerated implementation of sustainability goals in Australia.
Through their expertise, Mary and Arvind shed light on how Australia’s experiences can serve as valuable lessons for the rest of the world. They emphasise the importance of not blindly following others but instead tailoring sustainability approaches to fit specific countries.
Australia has made impressive progress in embracing new energy sources and the rapid pace at which investments have been made; something the rest of the world can look to for inspiration.

Resources: Energetics Rennie Advisory Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) The Paris Agreement Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) Australia Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) A Short Guide to the Circular Economy

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have a crucial role to play in sustainability, despite some thinking they are too small to make an impact. SMEs make up around 90% of businesses globally; while individual SMEs may have a smaller impact compared to larger corporations, their collective action can have a significant effect on environmental impact.

In this episode, our host Will Richardson explores the question: are you ever too small to make a difference? To shed light on this topic, he is joined by two experts who assist SMEs on their sustainability journeys: Sarah Whale, Managing Director of Profit Impact, and Andy Hawkins, Chief People, Planet, and Purpose Officer at Business on Purpose.

This episode of the Sustainability Solved Podcast is sponsored byGood Citizens.

Good Citizens is an eyewear brand like no other. Born to untrash the planet of single-use plastic.  Good Citizens turns a discarded single-use plastic bottle into a pair of 100% recycled frames. It took them 752 days & 2500+ failed attempts to perfect the first pair of sunglasses. Even more unique, the modular system means you can repair each part in seconds. So, if your dog munches on them, it’s all fixable.

Use this discount code GREEN20 to get $20AUD off and help untrash the planet. 

Highlights:

Sarah and Andy both share the belief that no business is too small to make a difference.
Sarah emphasises that it starts with individuals and their actions, regardless of whether they belong to a big corporation or work independently.
Andy illustrates this by using an analogy of playing football without a goalkeeper, where even individual contributions add up to make a significant difference. He cites historical figures like Nelson Mandela and Florence Nightingale who made a tremendous impact despite being part of a bigger system.
Many business owners find it challenging to make sustainability a top priority. Sarah and Andy agree that time restraints, prioritisation, and limited resources are common challenges for SMEs.
Will points out that some businesses may consider financial constraints as a reason for not prioritising sustainability, however engaging in sustainable practices can strengthen a business’s financial position.
Andy adds that B Corps have reported positive financial outcomes, trading at 28% above GDP. He plans to conduct research to further investigate these benefits and explore the barriers that prevent businesses from measuring and improving their social and environmental impact.

Resources:

Profit Impact

Business on Purpose

B Corp Certification: Benefits and Requirements

B Lab...

Title: Investing in Green Innovation

In the midst of a global economic downturn, sustainable businesses need to grow and innovate to survive in uncertain times. But just how easy is it to get investment? The EU recently announced the Green Deal industrial plan, aiming to fast track Net-Zero projects in Europe, making 250 billion euros available for greening industry. Alongside this, the US Inflation Reduction Act also includes a $369 billion package for clean energy projects, and there have been calls for a similar scheme to boost businesses in the UK.

Can UK businesses take advantage of the rush to go green? And if so, how? To help us answer this question, we are joined by Jon Dishotsky, an investment partner at Giant Ventures who builds and backs purpose-driven companies, and Wiktor Warchałowski, CEO and founder of Airly, who supply real-time air quality data for governments and businesses. This episode of the Sustainability Solved Podcast is sponsored by Good Citizens.

Good Citizens is an eyewear brand like no other. Born to untrash the planet of single-use plastic. Good Citizens turns a discarded single-use plastic bottle into a pair of 100% recycled frames. It took them 752 days & 2500+ failed attempts to perfect the first pair of sunglasses. Even more unique, the modular system means you can repair each part in seconds. So, if your dog munches on them, it’s all fixable.

Use this discount code GREEN20 to get $20AUD off and help untrash the planet.

Highlights:

· More capital has been raised in the last 12-24 months than ever before by investors, however the pace of investment into companies has slowed down significantly.

· Wiktor tells us about his experience going through the investment process, and the multitude of benefits it has brought to his company.

· We discuss what types of questions are asked by investors and if this differed across various investment bodies. For Wiktor, his team built an FAQ list to be prepared for their next investment meeting as they noticed a reoccurring theme amongst questions.

· Jon gives us a detailed insight into the question: how much money should a business ask to have invested in them?

· We look at how investment can put pressure on companies to scale too quickly, consequently having negative impacts on the organisation’s progression.

· “Capital does not help you innovate”; Jon shares his findings from a study that shows that companies that raised less than $100 million outperformed their peers who raised 5x more, meaning they continued to innovate significantly over a long period of time.

· Wiktor discusses the importance of working with investors that align with your organisation’s values and goals.

· Jon and Wiktor share some eye-opening and raw advice about building a business, gaining investment, and prioritizing innovation.

Resources: The Inflation Reduction Act Green Deal Industrial Plan Giant Ventures Airly Sustainability Solved

Over the last few years, Shelley Lawson and Rob Webbon have been on a journey to build sustainable businesses in their respective parts of the cycling industry. Rob’s journey hit a stumbling block earlier this year when the founding team of Presca Sportswear made the difficult decision to close the business. Whilst Shelley’s company Frog Bikes, that she founded with her husband Jerry, continues to grow.

Many of us dream of shaking up the existing capitalistic consumer model, and positively contributing to the people involved, but is the business model sustainable? In this podcast, we discuss the challenges and lessons learned on the journey to become a sustainable business.

Highlights

Shelley and Rob share their learnings from running a sustainable business and provide fantastic advice for current and future sustainable business owners.
Rob shares with us the detrimental effects that the cost-of-living crisis had on Presca Sportswear, and the stark difference to their position this time last year.
Frog Bikes is celebrating its 10th birthday; Shelley tells us the challenges the business has faced over the years and changes they have made to their business model to navigate the hurdles.
We consider whether it is easier or more difficult for sustainable organisations to achieve funding and support.
Shelley and Rob share their views on whether ethical supply chains are more expensive and slower in nature.
A Product Life Cycle Analysis is a process that measures the environmental impact of a commercial product, accounting for all stages of the product's life cycle. We discuss the accessibility of conducting a product life cycle analysis for smaller organisations and how Rob and Shelley navigated reducing the environmental impacts of their products.
Shelley explains how positive consumer experience encouraged Frog Bikes to work directly with cycling shops instead of selling online.
Frog Bikes and Presca Sportswear embedded circular processes into their business models; Presca offered clothing repairs, and Frog Bikes offered warranties and MOTs for second-hand bikes.

Resources

A Short Guide to Product Life Cycle Analyses
Frog Bikes
Ever Given Cargo Ship
Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI)

On this month’s episode of the Sustainability Solved Podcast, we are talking about Britain’s favourite pet: dogs. Research estimates that there are 13 million dogs in UK homes, a number which grew significantly during lockdown; it is estimated that 3.2 million households in the UK acquired a pet during the pandemic. Despite our love for the growing canine population, we can’t ignore the environmental impacts that come with dog ownership.

We are joined by Stephen Jenkinson, a consultant who uses applied psychology to help people like landowners, property developers, councils, and national parks to influence where dog walkers go and what they do. Stephen specialises in how to promote the good things about dog ownership and dog walking whilst minimising any adverse effects on other people, wildlife, or farm animals.

Highlights:

Studies from the past 20 years have highlighted the positives of dog ownership, from better physical and mental health, to being more sociable.
Stephen identified a gap in the market, realising that no one was talking about dog welfare and environmental welfare collectively.
Stephen’s work is funded by organisations like the Kennel Club, the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare, and training. Their objective is to ensure dogs live healthy and happy lives whilst educating people on how to be responsible owners.
One of the biggest environmental concerns with ownership is dog waste; not disposing of this in the correct manner can impact the natural environment (such as change in soil properties) and makes the natural environment increasingly unpleasant especially for those with mobility impairment using wheelchairs, prams, or any mode of transport with wheels.
Stephen reveals that dog waste can go in most landfill waste bins, something that studies have shown more than 60% of dog owners are not aware of.
Signage is incredibly important when it comes to dog waste bins; making clear where and how to dispose of dog waste can reduce the unpleasant impact on the environment.
Making the switch to dog waste bags derived from corn-starch will ensure that your dog waste is completely compostable.
With many returning to the office full time, commercial and professional dog walkers are being hired to look after dogs when their owners are at work.
Stephen tells us about a project he worked on with Scottish Natural Heritage where he ran workshops for dog owners and commercial dog walkers, highlighting the environmental issues linked to dog walking and how to overcome this.

Resources:

Rights of Way Act

One Health

Kennel Club

Natural England Forestry Commission

Scottish Natural Heritage

Forest National Park Authority

In this episode of the Sustainability Solved Podcast, we are looking into the environmental impact of something we may not usually give a second thought to – elevators. 

Half of the world’s population lives in cities and that number is expected to increase to 70% in 2050. As pressure on city space continues to rise, we are increasingly building upwards for our office spaces and homes, meaning we need efficient vertical transportation that doesn’t cost the earth. 

We are joined by Dr Paula Casares, Global Head of ESG at TK Elevator, and Mark Bashford, director of The Lift Consultancy, who explain the improvements made in the development of elevators to reduce their energy usage and environmental impact.

Highlights

Mark estimates that approximately 70% of the lifts in the UK market are using older technology and are therefore not energy efficient.
Elevators transport over 1 million people every day and can account for up to 10% of the energy consumption of a building.
Paula’s company launched a project to become the first ever organisation to retrofit an existing elevator to achieve net-zero energy.
Mark tells us about destination dispatch, a system where everyone going to the same floor gets in the same lift to decrease the number of stops the elevator must make, therefore reducing energy usage.
The elevator industry has responded to the growing need for sustainable solutions by developing elevator models that consume less energy. Additionally, new elevators are using less materials to make its construction lighter.
Paula explains how sustainability and digitalisation are no longer separate entities, and how TK Elevator views digitalisation as one level further in its reduction of its carbon footprint.

Resources

TK Elevator

The Lift Consultancy

EOX: TK Elevator’s new eco-efficient and digitally native elevator platform

The World’s Cities in 2016

Title: Taking Trees Out of the Paper Supply Chain

Story

Let’s talk about paper – a product we all use in our businesses, no matter the size or speciality. Paper use in office spaces is declining but, in the UK, we still use 9.9 million tonnes of paper every year, with every tonne of fresh pulp requiring the felling of 24 trees.

In this podcast, we explore the idea of trees being removed from the production of paper entirely and the positive environmental impact this would have. We are joined by the fantastic Adam Huttly, founder of Red Inc, a sustainable office supplies company that has teamed up with Envopap, the world’s first eco-friendly and commercially viable pulp-free paper.

Highlights

· Adam founded Red Inc in 2008 with a vision: to be a disruptor in the paper industry and rewrite the rules. He wanted to create a low-impact business that was designed to innovate, create value, and make a positive difference.

· Red Inc has seen exponential growth from corporate companies targeting organisations in their supply chain to understand net-zero strategies and be aligned to science-based targets.

· Adam tells us how Covid-19 impacted the office products industry, and how being a transactional and traditional ‘pile it high, sell it cheap’ industry led to its downfall during the pandemic.

· Red Inc partnered with EnvoPAP to acquire EnvoCOPY, a paper created using a reclaimed waste product called bagasse which is a by-product of sugarcane farming. EnvoPAP have taken the by-product that would normally be burned or put in landfill and turned this into pulp to make paper.

· In 2016/2017, Red Inc started a campaign called ‘Fight Bright White’ to raise awareness to clients that insisted on using bright white paper to portray their business in a certain way, in turn rejecting eco-friendly alternatives.

· Adam explains that many organisations in the office products industry don’t know where to start on their environmental journey, let alone help their clients do their sustainability reporting. Red Inc is way ahead of the curve and passionate about continuing to rewrite the script on sustainability for office products.

Resources Red Inc EnvoPAP EnvoCopy B Corp Recycling Facts

Holidays in 2023 – should you go eco-friendly?

Story:

According to research by booking.com, 42% of people said that recent news about climate change had influenced them to make more sustainable travel choices. More than half (57%) said they wanted to travel more sustainably in the next 12 months!

In this episode of 'Sustainability Solved', we're discussing eco-friendly holidays and how to travel more responsibly. Our guests Maudie Tomlinson from The Conscious Travel Foundation and writer and journalist Holly Tuppen explain what sustainable travel looks like, and how to make informed decisions when booking your next holiday.

Highlights:

· The Conscious Travel Foundation is a global community, initially set up by a group of industry friends during the covid-19 pandemic, uniting members of the travel industry the impact of tourism on the world.

· Holly was inspired to write about sustainable travel after travelling around the world using slower and more environmentally friendly modes of transport such as trains, sailing, or cycling. As a result, she experienced and saw a lot more than if she had gone by plane!

· Holly highlights that tourism can play a huge role in financing conservation efforts and nature restoration; she worked for an organisation called The Long Run who works with over 40 different lodges and travel experiences around the world to protect 23 million acres of ecosystems.

· Maudie discusses if being more sustainable means higher costs for businesses; she highlights that reducing your organisation’s carbon footprint will save you money in the long run.

· Holly’s book Sustainable Travel provides an array of advice for travellers looking to be more environmentally-friendly and how to make informed choices when booking a holiday.

· The more people ask questions about sustainable travel and have this as a priority when booking a holiday, the more travel organisations will be likely to take action.

· Holly addresses that a lot of businesses are nervous to start their sustainability journey in fear of not doing it 100% correctly and getting caught up in greenwashing claims.

· Maudie and Holly tell us of their own eco-friendly travel plans for 2023 and give some fantastic suggestions for solo and family holidays!

Resources:

The Conscious Travel Foundation

Booking.com sustainable travel research

Green Traveller

Sustainability Hospitality Alliance

The Long Run

Holly’s book Sustainable Travel

B Corp Certification

EarthCheck

Story:

As the cost-of-living crisis bites, we ask how important environmental messaging is to consumer choice? Is sustainability a luxury for a few, or the only way ahead for brands?

We are joined by Will Thacker and Fran Docx of 20Something, the creative company behind Woolmark’s captivating Wear Wool Not Fossil Fuel campaign. In their powerful advert, figures emerge dazed from a pool of oil and strip off to reveal wool clothing underneath. The video aims to educate consumers about the environmental dangers of synthetic fibres.

Woolmark is a not-for-profit organisation working with Australia’s 60,000 woolgrowers to research, develop and certify Australian wool, and champion its eco-credentials over other materials.

Highlights:

· Oil-based synthetics fuel the fast fashion industry. One cannot exist without the other

· Synthetic fibres are bad for the environment because they are made from oil.

· Woolmark’s research shows that in the 1980s, around 17%, of all fibres were synthetic fibres. By 2030, synthetic fibres will be around 80%.

· 50 million barrels of oil per year are used to source the fashion industry.

· Fran tells us that most people know synthetic fibres are bad for the planet, but don’t make the connection with what they are wearing and the fact it comes from oil.

· According to Natural England survey results, those with a higher household income are more likely to agree that looking after the environment is important to them.

· Fran comments that people on lower incomes are forced to overuse resources to survive and are more likely to be impacted by the effects of climate change.

· Sustainability matters more to consumers when they are purchasing products that are consumed or put on their body.

· There are two forces at play in the young consumer market. An increase in interest in sustainable brands and the second-hand fashion market, but also a desire to wear different outfits via TikTok and other social platforms.

· Will Tacker explains that greenwashing in the apparel industry is rife, so consumers have a responsibility to do their homework on brands.

· Will Thacker talks about El Alto, sustainable outdoor clothing brand, who boycotted Black Friday by closing its stores and encouraging employees to get outdoors.

Resources:

Woolmark – Wear Wool Not Fossil Fuel

Natural England survey

addresspollution.org

El Alto | Socially Responsible Outdoor Clothing

This month on the Sustainability Solved podcast we are delving into the topic of last-mile delivery, the final stage of an order process where an item is transported from a warehouse or fulfilment centre to the final delivery destination.

Our cities are packed with commercial vehicles that pollute our local areas and make it increasingly dangerous to navigate our streets. As cities move towards reducing CO2 emissions and air pollution, the commercial vehicle sector needs to be at the forefront of the movement to make way for a greener future.

We are joined by Chris Benson, CEO and Founder of Oxford-based Pedal and Post, and Co-founder of Pedal Me, Ben Knowles, who are both at the forefront of the greener delivery movement.

Highlights:

Studies with the University of Westminster found that cargo bikes could do 60% more deliveries at the same time as commercial vehicles on most shop deliveries around London.
On top of working with national parcel carriers, Pedal and Post specialise in medical deliveries. They pioneered the first delivery service that delivers chemotherapy medication in Oxford.
Larger companies can see that the future is going towards cargo bikes but have not been able to achieve the kind of scale of operations that will make a difference.
Sustainable deliveries can work out-with cities. Ben highlights that there may need to be some changes to the design of the bikes to cover ground quicker.
With the increase in climate awareness, consumers are increasingly looking for organisations to deliver on sustainability commitments, and businesses should be helping to educate consumers on greener delivery.
Ben tells us of the positive reaction received by consumers when they see a cargo bike instead of a commercial vehicle, especially when he delivered a 15ft pink dodo sculpture!

Resources:

Pedal Me

Pedal and Post

University of Westminster cargo bikes research overview

Ultra-Low Emissions Zone

On this month’s episode, we're joined by Victoria Cushing, Product Director at KMI Brands. We take a look into their cosmetic brand Plantopia, a pending B-Corp that uses adaptogens and essential oils in its products to create positive change for people and planet health. Victoria takes us on a journey through Plantopia’s pursuit of a sustainable production process, and the processes and outcomes of its comprehensive lifecycle assessment conducted by Green Element. Victoria gives some fantastic advice for organisations looking to improve their sustainability and production processes. Highlights: · The team at Plantopia spent four years developing their brand to achieve recognition as one of the most planet-friendly and people-friendly cosmetic brands. · Plantopia became a member of the UEBT, Union of Ethical Bio Trade, to ensure from the very beginning that it had traceability of its raw ingredients, and that the team understood their entire supply chain. · For Plantopia, transparency is key, and a very important aspect for its consumers. Plantopia conducted a survey with over 1000 of its customers to identify what mattered to them and included that in its published manifesto. · With the help of Green Element, Plantopia conducted a comprehensive lifecycle analysis, which allowed their team to identify key areas where reduction was required. · Victoria talks about some of the obstacles the team experienced during this process, and that working closely with their suppliers was key in the success of their environmental journey. · Due to the success of the first life cycle analysis process, Plantopia now aims to conduct a life cycle analysis on all its products by the end of 2030! Resources: https://kmibrands.com/ (KMI Brands) https://plantopialife.com/ (Plantopia) https://uebt.org/ (Union of Ethical Bio Trade) https://www.greenelement.co.uk/environmental-services/life-cycle-analysis-for-businesses/ (Green Element’s Life Cycle Analysis Service)

On this month’s episode, we're joined by Victoria Cushing, Product Director at KMI Brands. We take a look into their cosmetic brand Plantopia, a pending B-Corp that uses adaptogens and essential oils in its products to create positive change for people and planet health. Victoria takes us on a journey through Plantopia’s pursuit of a sustainable production process, and the processes and outcomes of its comprehensive lifecycle assessment conducted by Green Element. Victoria gives some fantastic advice for organisations looking to improve their sustainability and production processes. Highlights: · The team at Plantopia spent four years developing their brand to achieve recognition as one of the most planet-friendly and people-friendly cosmetic brands. · Plantopia became a member of the UEBT, Union of Ethical Bio Trade, to ensure from the very beginning that it had traceability of its raw ingredients, and that the team understood their entire supply chain. · For Plantopia, transparency is key, and a very important aspect for its consumers. Plantopia conducted a survey with over 1000 of its customers to identify what mattered to them and included that in its published manifesto. · With the help of Green Element, Plantopia conducted a comprehensive lifecycle analysis, which allowed their team to identify key areas where reduction was required. · Victoria talks about some of the obstacles the team experienced during this process, and that working closely with their suppliers was key in the success of their environmental journey. · Due to the success of the first life cycle analysis process, Plantopia now aims to conduct a life cycle analysis on all its products by the end of 2030! Resources: https://kmibrands.com/ (KMI Brands) https://plantopialife.com/ (Plantopia) https://uebt.org/ (Union of Ethical Bio Trade) https://www.greenelement.co.uk/environmental-services/life-cycle-analysis-for-businesses/ (Green Element’s Life Cycle Analysis Service)

In this month’s episode, we are joined by Ian Riley, CEO of the World Cement Association, to discuss sustainability in the construction industry. With a significant impact on pollution and energy consumption, the construction industry is often under the environmental microscope. Ian brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the floor to unravel this complex topic. Highlights: The World Cement Association was set up in 2016 to be a voice for the independent players in the industry. Ian discusses the term ‘carbon negative concrete’ and explains how the carbon footprint of concrete is broken down and calculated. Businesses in the construction industry are increasingly under pressure to ensure circularity and pay close attention to the full lifecycles of their materials. Ian discusses the need for collaboration across the supply chain to fully understand organisation’s full environmental impact, especially when calculating Scope 3 emissions. Ian tells us about technologies that can help in making the industry less wasteful and more sustainable - and the difficulties in adopting these new technologies. The construction industry is playing an essential role in allowing countries to develop and urbanise, especially in developing countries. So, the real challenge for the industry is to find new ways of operating in a more sustainable way. Ian expresses his optimism for the future of the construction industry and shares some invaluable advice for organisations looking to become more sustainable.

Resources: https://worldcementassociation.org/ (World Cement Association)

In this month’s episode, we are joined by Ian Riley, CEO of the World Cement Association, to discuss sustainability in the construction industry. With a significant impact on pollution and energy consumption, the construction industry is often under the environmental microscope. Ian brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the floor to unravel this complex topic. Highlights: The World Cement Association was set up in 2016 to be a voice for the independent players in the industry. Ian discusses the term ‘carbon negative concrete’ and explains how the carbon footprint of concrete is broken down and calculated. Businesses in the construction industry are increasingly under pressure to ensure circularity and pay close attention to the full lifecycles of their materials. Ian discusses the need for collaboration across the supply chain to fully understand organisation’s full environmental impact, especially when calculating Scope 3 emissions. Ian tells us about technologies that can help in making the industry less wasteful and more sustainable - and the difficulties in adopting these new technologies. The construction industry is playing an essential role in allowing countries to develop and urbanise, especially in developing countries. So, the real challenge for the industry is to find new ways of operating in a more sustainable way. Ian expresses his optimism for the future of the construction industry and shares some invaluable advice for organisations looking to become more sustainable.

Resources: https://worldcementassociation.org/ (World Cement Association)

The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) is a pro bono legal initiative that brings thousands of legal professionals together to help businesses fight the climate crisis and achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Managing Director Becky Clissmann joins us to talk about TCLP’s legal clauses that lawyers can use in contracts to help businesses deliver climate targets. We are also joined by John Perkins, Director, and Senior Corporate Counsel at Salesforce – someone who has used TCLP’s clauses to great effect. Highlights · TCLP clauses are free for all of us to use, so lawyers can use them in contracts to help businesses deliver climate targets. · TCLP is rolling out its clauses to the global community, ensuring that teams all over the world can start to use them in their jurisdictions, as well as undertaking a carbon needs analysis to pinpoint the areas of focus such as built environment, finance sectors, and energy transition. · John talks about how he first came across TCLP when researching for Salesforce’s sustainability initiative – an initiative that requires suppliers to establish a science-based target to a definitive evaluated approach to mitigating emissions. · Salesforce used 2 TCLP clauses in the development of its new sustainability initiative: Teddy’s Clause, which is regarding supplier environmental threshold obligations, and Jessica’s Clause, which is more about emissions reporting and climate remediation. · John explains that supply chain sustainability is a priority for Salesforce as it produces the largest level of emissions. · John discusses 2 exciting outcomes of implementing TCLP clauses. 1. Their clauses have received a positive reception from suppliers and have boosted cooperation. 2. Salesforce has started to see other corporates, big and small, adopt the same approach. · Becky highlights the importance of TCLP in allowing lawyers in-house and law firms to do something with their everyday work to really make a difference in the climate crisis. Resources The Chancery Lane Project: https://chancerylaneproject.org/ (The Chancery Lane Project) Integrating Sustainability into Salesforce's Supply Chain: https://tinyurl.com/SustContracting (https://tinyurl.com/SustContracting) Sustainability Terms from Scratch: https://tinyurl.com/SustFromScratch (https://tinyurl.com/SustFromScratch) Sustainability and Third-Party Assurance: https://tinyurl.com/ThirdPartyAssuranceProviders (https://tinyurl.com/ThirdPartyAssuranceProviders) IPCC: https://www.ipcc.ch/ (IPCC — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Science Based Targets initiative: https://www.wri.org/initiatives/science-based-targets#:~:text=The%20Science%20Based%20Targets%20initiative%20%28SBTi%29%3A%201%20Defines,assessment%20and%20validation%20of%20targets.%20More%20items...%20 (The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) | World Resources Institute (wri.org))

As London Fashion Week comes to an end, we are unpacking the fashion industry and its poor reputation when it comes to its carbon impact. In this episode, we are joined by Alicia Thew, Climate Analysis Manager, and in-house expert on all things sustainable fashion. Alicia has worked with multiple organisations in the fashion industry, helping them to decarbonise their supply chains and product practices. Highlights: Alicia discusses just how big an impact the fashion industry is having on our planet, with the fashion industry being responsible for 10% of global emissions. Alicia talks about companies that have acted already to reduce their carbon footprint, such as Levi Strauss and H&M, who have estimated that around 20% of their total carbon footprints actually down to the consumer use and the disposal of clothing. She discusses tackling the mindset of consumers when it comes to our relationships with clothing, and normalising the reuse, repurposing, and refurbishing fashion garments. A company’s own operations are usually where they have the most control over what can be measured and changed to reduce environmental impact. Alicia talks about the importance of getting suppliers and distributors involved in the sustainability journey as they are a huge part of a fashion organisation’s scope 3 emissions. Decarbonisation of the supply chain is the only real way to tackle the carbon footprint of the industry, with carbon offsetting acting as a quick fix that is not scientifically proven. Alicia talks about Science-based Targets and the benefits of setting them within the fashion industry.

Resources: Fashion Declares: https://fashion-declares.org/ (Fashion Declares | Home (fashion-declares.org)) Energy Saving Trust: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/ (Energy Saving Trust) McKinsey: https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/retail/our%20insights/fashion%20on%20climate/fashion-on-climate-full-report.pdf (fashion-on-climate-full-report.pdf (mckinsey.com)) Smart Freight Centre: https://www.smartfreightcentre.org/en/ (Smart Freight Centre) Science Based Targets initiative: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/ (Ambitious corporate climate action - Science Based Targets)

In this episode, we will be answering the question: does food have the power to save the world? We are joined by Ed Ayton and Stef Sahmel from Abel & Cole, an organic food delivery service who are on a mission to simplify shopping sustainably. They are a fellow B Corporation who have been working with us to measuring and reduce their carbon footprint since 2019. Highlights: Abel and Cole are constantly looking for opportunities to reduce their environmental and social impact, from volunteering and charitable giving, to educating their consumers, to having as little packaging as possible. Ed and Stef talk about the benefits of working for as B Corporation, and how Abel and Cole’s culture and purpose make it a fantastic place to work. Abel & Cole have implemented a Climate Emergency project to cut their emissions in half by 2030. This involves assessing their carbon footprint, identifying carbon hotspots, and taking action to drive down those emissions. Stef talks about working with Green Element to measure, report, and reduce their carbon footprint, and how they identified the 3 carbon hotspots of meat, dairy, and transport. Stef and Ed describe the process of conducting a life cycle analysis on their fruit and veg boxes, with the help of Green Element. By setting science-based targets, Abel and Cole can identify and reduce emissions across their scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Ed discusses regenerative farming that focuses on soil health; over 70% of Abel & Cole’s products are certified by the Soil Association. Stef and Ed talk about the different ways that they engage their customers in their sustainability journey and highlight the importance of storytelling and finding something that people can relate to.

Resources: Abel and Cole: https://www.abelandcole.co.uk/ (Organic food delivery. Organic vegetable boxes, fruit, meat & more | Abel & Cole (abelandcole.co.uk)) B Corp: https://bcorporation.uk/ (The UK B Corporation Movement) Science-based targets initiative: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/ (Ambitious corporate climate action - Science Based Targets) The Soil Association: https://www.soilassociation.org/ (Soil Association)

This episode is all about the circular economy, explaining what it means, how it differs from the standard linear economy, and how adopting circularity benefits your organisation and the world in general. Our host Will Richardson is joined by Naomi Cohen, Senior Manager at Green Element, who specialises in resource and waste management. Naomi and Will are joined by inspiring individuals from organisations that are already making the change to circularity: Sam Coggin from The Coggin Group, Sylvia Garvin from The Juice Round, and Brendon Rowan from Cradle to Cradle. Highlights: Naomi describes the ‘take make waste’ approach to products and materials, and how the circular economy eliminates waste by keeping products in circulation. Slyvia Garvin became very aware of the amount of packaging used within her organisation and decided to start focusing on reuse as a solution. The Juice Round produces hand-make drinks in reusable glass bottles; they also offer a financial incentive for consumers to return and refill their bottles. The Cradle-to-Cradle methodology allows designers to look at 5 key elements: material health, material reutilisation, renewable energy, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness. Brendon talks about the Wonder Wean, a portable food processor for weaning, designed using the Cradle-to-Cradle methodology. Naomi talks about her time in the waste and resource management sector, and how she has seen first-hand the amount of perfectly serviceable office furniture and other products that are thrown away unnecessarily. Sam Coggin from The Coggin Group discusses how they provide sustainable office furnishing and furniture recycling solutions. Sam discusses the importance and benefits of upcycling, and how his ultimate goal is to be known for remanufacturing in a commercial scale. Naomi touches on the importance of servitisation, the idea that when we buy things, we often don’t need the item itself as opposed to the service it provides.

Resources: The Coggin Group: https://www.thecoggingroup.com/ (Sustainable Office Furniture & Recycling Solutions | The Coggin Group) Cradle to Cradle Design Consultancy: The Juice Round: https://www.thejuiceround.co.uk/ (Sustainable drinks - Zero waste and Plastic free drinks - The Juice Round) Ellen Macarthur Foundation: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/ (How to build a circular economy | Ellen MacArthur Foundation) Dame Ellen's 2015 TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/dame_ellen_macarthur_the_surprising_thing_i_learned_sailing_solo_around_the_world (Dame Ellen MacArthur: The surprising thing I learned sailing solo around the world | TED Talk) Toast Ale: https://www.toastale.com/ (Toast Ale - Raise a toast. Save the world. Cheers) The Wonder Wean: https://www.imaginationfactory.co.uk/design-for-manufacture--wonder-wean/ (The Imagination Factory | Design For Manufacture - Wonder Wean) WRAP: https://wrap.org.uk/ (WRAP - Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency Experts) The Good Goods: https://www.thegoodgoods.co/ (Good Goods - Reusable Wine Bottle (thegoodgoods.co)) Zach Lawless podcast: https://www.greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/zach-lawless/ (Zach Lawless, co-founder of Good Goods | Sustainable Business Podcast (greenelement.co.uk)) Louisa Ziane podcast: https://www.greenelement.co.uk/podcasts/louisa-ziane-of-toast-ale/ (Louisa Ziane of Toast Ale | Sustainable Business Podcast (greenelement.co.uk))

Story This episode focuses on what being a B Corp means, what makes the B Corp certification a unique standard, and how becoming a certified B Corp transforms businesses’ operations to do better for people and the planet. March is B Corp month, and we are celebrating it by bringing back some of our greatest podcasts featuring B Corp certified businesses and their inspiring journeys: James Thornton from Intrepid Travel; Karli Hiscock from Bates Well; and Carolina Miranda CEO of Cultivating Capital. Highlights Intrepid Travel offers sustainable travel experiences for its customers, an exemplary example of how businesses can balance purpose and profit. Intrepid went through a three-year journey to become a B Corp, in which they assessed the way they interacted with customers, the impact they had on the environment, and their relationships with shareholders. James highlights how B Corp helped Intrepid address their supplier issues and the lack of diversity within their organisation. “We’ve certainly found that the B Corp certification helps provide a point of distinction” - James Thornton. Bates Well was founded in 1970 with a set of core principles which had a clear purpose: “doing good for people”. They have always been a purpose-driven business but becoming a B Corp in 2015 hugely impacted their day-to-day operations. Through the B Corp certification, they have been driving staff and client engagement and improving their culture’s synergy. Carolina helps businesses to operate in ways that are more socially and environmentally sustainable, particularly for small businesses that want to make a difference. The most common issue that SMEs come across when embedding sustainability is the lack of support from management. Consumers are recognising what the B Corp certification means, and actively looking to do businesses with organisations who are more socially and environmentally sustainable. This is a big incentive for companies to become a B Corp and improve their social and environmental impact.

This episode looks under the environmental hood at Engine, a global media and marketing services company, and longstanding client of Green Element. We speak to Rachel Boland, Head of Sustainability of Engine UK, about why and how the company has prioritised sustainability since 2008.

This episode investigates the rising cost of energy, the changing energy price cap, and what that means for organisations trying to reduce their environmental impact, while remaining in business. We are joined by Jon Fletcher from Big Clean Switch, a certified B-Corporation developing solutions for homes and businesses to help accelerate the transition to green energy, and Doug Johnson from Mesh Energy, a trusted provider of innovative sustainable energy services to property owners and architects.

The Juice Round is a specialist eco-friendly drinks service served in reusable glass bottles, which are collected, cleaned, and refilled for use. After 15 years of providing bespoke drinks for high profile events and business clients, Sylvia grew increasingly concerned with the amount of single-use packaging going to waste in the food and beverage sector. Sylvia felt responsible as a drinks producer to find a different way of handling packaging and started to focus on reuse as a solution.

In this episode, we interview Tom Gould, the Research Director and Head of Consumer at Impact Research. Impact Research work with their clients to understand what they're trying to find out and create research studies to improve their services for customers.

Anna Murphy is a freelance consultant who supports companies to establish a systems-based approach to sustainability, ensuring their strengths are utilised and equity is achieved. She uses the Future-Fit Business Benchmark methodology to achieve sustainability goals for her clients.

Ali Haji is the CEO and Director of ION Energy, an early-stage lithium brine explorer in Mongolia. Founded in 2017, ION Energy’s sole purpose was to obtain a lithium exploration license to pioneer this movement; they were issued an 81,000-hectare license in the southern Gobi region of Mongolia, the largest ever to be granted to a private company. Now, ION Energy is an advanced battery management and intelligence platform, focused on improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Ali takes us through the environmental impact of lithium in the Battery Metals Industry, and how ION Energy commitment to increasing sustainability. Highlights: Ali explains to us what Lithium is, what it is used for, how it is extracted, and its environmental impact. Lithium batteries are becoming increasingly more sustainable, with many having the ability to be recycled and reused. Ali discusses the environmental impacts of mining lithium, and how the process has become increasingly sustainable compared to historical practices. ION Energy has always put Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) Criteria at the top of their mandate, ensuring that they are protecting the populations near to the lithium mines, and employing people that are in close proximity to their assets. Ali tells us that ION Energy aim to enrich the education of their employees through training and ensure that they are an integral part of their growing company.

Rachel Fowler is a sustainable interior designer and founder of Rachel Fowler Interiors, a design studio that has sustainability and animal-friendly design at the heart of its operations. After travelling the world as a children’s intensive care nurse, Rachel decided to go back to university and start a career in design. She has also completed the Healthy Materials and Sustainable Building course by the New College University in New York, and a Circular Economy course with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Rachel is passionate about how the materials that we choose for our interiors effect our health and well-being, as well as the health of the planet. Her design studio aims to remove the long-winded task of researching materials and help you to create sustainable and humane interiors. Rachel’s new book ‘My Happy Place’ acts as go-to guide for anyone looking to create healthy, humane, and sustainable working and living spaces.

Melanie Blackmore is the Managing Director of Blackmores – an award-winning consultancy firm which implements and maintains management systems for clients ranging from SME’s to blue chip organisations. Melanie has been involved with the creation, development and implementation of British and International standards for over 18 years. Blackmores rapidly grew to be an award winning, leading provider of consultancy services, specialising in environmental, quality and risk standards and offering expertise on the widest range of standards in Europe. She is now set to launch a game-changing innovation in her field, called the isology hub, which is a membership-based platform that companies or individuals can use to get a comprehensive, step-by-step understanding of how to become ISO certified and create world class systems for success. Melanie is also the host of her own podcast, the ISO show!

In this episode, we interview the co-founder of The Good Goods, Zach Lawless. The Good Goods are a reusable wine bottle company that are tackling the biggest environmental impact of the industry: packaging. One new wine bottle puts 2.7 lbs of CO2 into the environment, so reuse is paramount to limiting our global emissions. Zach talks us through his business model, how consumers are responding, and the challenges and opportunities in this pioneering space.

This is the final installment of our audio guide, Target 1.5C. Featured in this episode are all our guest speakers from the case studies featured throughout this mini-series: Karen Higgens from Grant Thronton, Alex Rhodes from Mishcon de Reya, excerpts from the founder of Toast Ale Louisa Ziane, and our extra guest for this episode – Amanda Smith-Powell from Forster Communications. In this episode, we wrap up the series by talking about the most important components of all three case studies and highlight the universal practices that allow an organisation to be environmentally sustainable. Amanda shares her expertise in how to communicate the key learnings. The advice and information contained in this episode is to empower all organisations with the knowledge and know-how to play their part in limiting global heating to 1.5C.

Episode three of Target 1.5C offers advice, support and signposts to organisations within the food and beverage industry. The advice and information contained in this episode is to empower organisations with the knowledge and know-how to play their part in limiting global heating to 1.5C. This podcast features an insightful case study from Louisa Ziane, the founder of Toast Ale; an award-winning and environmentally sustainable brewery. Louisa shares the key lessons from their journey and successes to inspire and support those wishing to make their own business more environmentally sustainable. Our industry expert and strategist, Emma Littlewood, shares her experience as an environmental consultant who has worked with many organisations the food & beverage sector. She offers guidance to those looking to improve their sustainability credentials in this sector.

In episode two, we explore the legal sector and sustainability. The focus of this episode will focus on advising legal firms on what role they can play to limit global heating to 1.5C. This episode features a case study from the prestigious law firm, Mishcon de Reya, and we cover key areas such as greenwashing, collaboration and leadership buy-in. Alex Rhodes is their Head of Purpose and he gives his opinion on critical topics and offers advice for law firms. Our in-house expert, Alex Cronin, will be sharing his experiences as an environmental consultant who has worked with several legal firms. He will offer guidance to those looking to improve their sustainability credentials in the legal sector. Below, you will find the useful resources mentioned in this episode.

In this episode, we discuss what businesses that belong to the financial sector can do to limit their emissions to ensure global heating does not exceed 1.5C. In this episode, we feature Grant Thornton – the first accountancy firm in the world to set Science Based Targets – as a case study to demonstrate what can be achieved. Karen Higgens, their Head of Sustainability, talks us through their journey, highlights their successes and advises how they overcame their challenges as an organisation. Also featured in this episode is our in-house expert and climate strategist, Emma Littlewood, who shares her insider knowledge and includes a number of valuable signposts to help organisations get started on their sustainability journey with confidence and integrity.

Vijay Eswaran is a highly successful and recognised businessman from Malaysia. Forbes magazine named him as one of Asia’s top 50 philanthropists and has received a lifetime achievement award for regional philanthropy. He is the executive chairman of the QI Group, a multinational conglomerate that ensures sustainable practices throughout its portfolio. He also established the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the QI group, called the RYTHM Foundation, to invest in the communities in which they operate.

Lora Nikolaeva is the founder of British contemporary womenswear brand, Lora Gene. Lora Gene champions sustainability, size inclusivity and celebrates the diverse beauty of the female form. Their commitment to sustainability is embedded into their products from conception right the way through to their supply chain. Lora Gene is also a B Corporation business, striving to make changes not just to the environment but also to society by addressing inequality, working conditions, and fair wages.

Russell Gong is the Co-founder and Head of Brand and Product for Cabinet Health, an organisation that strives to be the world's first zero waste medicine company. Cabinet Health is a B Corporation who focuses on improving customer relationships with their health care and their environment.

Debbie Luffman is the Product Director at Finisterre, a certified B corp outdoor apparel company. Debbie talks about the collective passion for the environment at Finisterre, and shares what they are doing as a business to tackle the climate crisis. She also speaks about the campaigns they are running to help build relationships between people and the sea. Debbie has over 16 years’ experience in the fashion and textiles industry and offers advice to consumers who wish to buy more sustainably and how to avoid greenwashed goods.

Richard Morris is the CEO of IPG Mediabrands, a global media company founded in 2007, which has over 13,000 employees in over 130 countries. In this podcast, Richard shares the financial and reputational benefits achieved by embedding sustainable practices into a business. He talks about the success he has achieved in IPG Mediabrands by implementing sustainable practices into his operations. Richard also discusses the exciting changes that are underway within the marketing sector, particularly with regards to honest communications and product claims.

John Grant is the author of many successful books including the Green Marketing Manifesto and is a marketing consultant. He has a wealth of experience in marketing and has worked with several high-profile organisations and governments on communication and environmental projects. John unpacks the challenges and solutions when working with clients on sustainability-focused projects and offers great insights and advice to those within the industry. John strongly highlights that education has a key role to play in communication and marketing to achieve sustainable business goals.

Rasha Hasaneen is the Vice President of Innovation and Product Management Excellence for Trane Technologies. In this podcast, she talks about the exciting ambitions and successes of Trane Technologies – an industrial manufacturing company which champions sustainable solutions for their products which include air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Rasha tells us of her journey with us and how she came to work for Trane Technologies. She celebrates their purpose-led culture, and that sustainability has been at the core of their organisation for over ten years.

Clare Campbell is the founder and Tartan designer of https://pricklythistlescotland.com/ (Prickly Thistle) an independent, ethical tartan brand based in the Scottish Highlands. In this podcast, Clare talks about her journey from the financial sector into restoring the culture and infrastructure to manufacture traditional tartan. She shares fascinating insights into Scotland’s history with wool and the textile industry, and how she is reviving the use of locally sourced natural materials and dyes. Clare talks about the disconnect between the 21st century consumer and products. As a result, she is leading by example with her business model that focuses on transparency, honesty, and strives to do what is right, not what is easy. She shares some interesting stories as well as all the things Prickly Thistle are doing to achieve a sustainable business model – from composting on site to using local supply chains.

In this podcast, we interviewed the CEO of Aeristech, Duncan Kerr and Luke Read; the Head of Research and Development. Aeristech is a multi-award-winning engineering company who deliver high tech projects relating to hydrogen fuel cells, and engineer hybrid turbocharger technology systems for motor vehicles. Duncan and Luke discuss the future role that hydrogen will play in the transition away from fossil fuels, as well as their unique and energy efficient products that will help to reduce emissions even further. They discuss the challenges and opportunities within the sector, from finding skilled staff to creating products that are both sustainable and competitively priced.

Michael Solomon is the founder of Profit Through Ethics and Responsible 100; two organisations which support businesses of all sectors and sizes to implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their organisation. Michael talks about the identification, grading system and the journey to achieve core CSR goals that are bespoke to the businesses he works with, whilst ensuring they continue to achieve profitability. He highlights how important it is to link profitability into CSR to ensure actions are not only implemented but maintained. Join free our https://www.sustainabilitysolved.org/ (Sustainability Solved Community) to participate in the podcast post-discussions with our guests and other members of the community.

Jos Harrison is the Global Head of Brand Experience and Design at Reckitt. He is a firm advocate of bringing brands closer to people to ensure positive impacts on people’s lives and environments. In this podcast, Jos talks about the brands he works with, sustainable leadership within the sector, and the impact the products can have when sustainability is implemented into the design. Jos believes in building brand’s responsibly and sensitively to meet the demands of the 21st century. Join free our https://www.sustainabilitysolved.org/ (Sustainability Solved Community) to participate in the podcast post-discussions with our guests and other members of the community.

John Brown is the CEO and founder of Don’t Cry Wolf, a branding and communications consultancy for brands who want to communicate honestly. He is an ardent advocate of transparent communications between brands and consumers and in this podcast John provides invaluable advice to a variety of industries, particularly to those in the PR and communications industries. Join our free https://www.sustainabilitysolved.org/ (Sustainability Solved Community) to participate in the podcast post-discussions with our guests and other members of the community.

James Close is the Head of Climate Change at NatWest - the principal partner and sponsor of COP 26. James talks about the purpose-led strategy implemented by NatWest to ensure their practices and services are sustainable. He also talks about the leadership role that the financial sector is taking to tackle climate change, the importance of international collaboration, and the success of taking a top-down approach to sustainability. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Samantha Cooper, the Director for https://businessdeclares.com/ (Business Declares), talks about the work this membership organisation does in supporting companies, however big or small, in declaring a climate and ecological emergency and taking purposeful action to reach carbon neutrality. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Robert McLaughlin is a veteran of the floral industry and a true influencer of sustainable floriculture and the human rights of farm workers. Manatee Fresh is a group of local growers, importers, and wholesalers who work with certified sustainable farms mainly from the US, Colombia, and Ecuador. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Isabel Aagaard is a co-founder and designer of LastObject. When she and her team discovered the harmful effects of single-use cotton swabs on the environment, they started working on a solution to fix it. They design innovative solutions to wasteful habits that make a lasting positive impact and have already launched four products that replace single-use cotton rounds, tissues, and face masks. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Nick Hollis is an international mountaineer who has seen the impact of human beings on our planet, particularly in Amazonia. He has set the 7-2-1 challenge to raise awareness and funds for the preservation of rainforests. What is the 7-2-1 challenge about? Listen to this podcast. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

TerraVerde was founded in 2020 by Patrick Richards and Chris Fraser, two close friends since 1985 who shared the common goal to help the tourism industry recover in a robust and sustainable fashion way, embracing environmental principles. TerraVerde offers accurate carbon footprint measurement and practical advice to help travel and hospitality businesses move up onto the sustainability ladder. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Jill Jackson joined our podcast to talk about Big Exchange, a financial services organisation looking to democratise and make the financial industry more inclusive. The Big Exchange is a movement of people in the UK working to shape a better future with their money and make it count for more. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Abena Poku-Awuah is the Founder and Managing Director of Legacy Events, a sustainable events agency and consultancy helping companies organise virtual and in-person events, whilst considering the environmental impact of the event, its carbon footprint, and its potential for positive social change. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Niels Wielaard is the founder and co-director of Satelligence, a leading satellite-powered geodata analytics company providing daily insights into the global performance of agricultural production and supply chain risks, such as deforestation, forest fires, and flooding. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Dough Johnson is the founder and Director of https://www.mesh-energy.com/ (Mesh Energy), an independent and holistic energy consultancy practice who helps clients navigate through how to build buildings more energy efficient. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Duncan Parker is the Managing Director of https://ethical-goods.com/ (Ethical Goods), a Management Consultancy who helps businesses achieve their commercial, environmental and social goals through doing good. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Livvy Drake, from Sustainable Sidekicks, works with businesses, events and green champions to achieve their sustainability goals. Whilst demonstrating how campaigners, communicators and businesses can achieve greater behaviour change outside of the green echo chamber. Her practical experience comes from live events and festivals, businesses and environmental campaigning organisations. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Mats Larsson is the author of The Blind Guardians of Ignorance, a book that describes the magnitude and the complexity of the transformation to sustainability. He has worked for 30 years as a business consultant, assisting companies with strategy development and the management of change projects. Over the past 15 years, he has analysed the challenges of the future and written extensively on the transformation to sustainable production and distribution systems. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Kevin Wilhelm is the CEO of Sustainable Business Consulting, an organisation who has worked with 195 companies across 37 countries to help them realise the business value of better social and environmental practices and to find ways to cost-savings, as well as enhance their brand's communications with stakeholders and employees. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

We talk to Shannon Guihan from The https://ttc.com/ (Travel Corporation) and The https://www.treadright.org/ (TreadRight Foundation), a family of 40 travel brands whose purpose is to make travel matter by delivering amazing travel experiences across multiple demographics. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Jeremy Smith is co-founder of https://www.tourismdeclares.com/ (Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency), an initiative that supports tourism destinations, businesses and organisations working together to reduce their carbon emissions in line with the Science-Based Targets and to develop a resilient future for our industry. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Corinne Thomas is the Founder and Managing Director of Ethical Sales, a company working exclusively with purpose-driven businesses to help them bring a wealth of networks, connections, and ethical business know-how. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Matt Letley is the Managing Director of REDBOX, a business services company who has been providing ethical and sustainable office interiors, office supplies, and print solutions to their customers' offices for over 30 years. Their purpose is to make a lasting impact in society and on the environment through the products and services they provide. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

We talk to Dominic Winter from Protect Our Winters UK(POW), who inspires and equips UK based outdoor communities to take positive action to address the climate crisis and to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral society. Don't miss out on our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Philippe Moreau is the founder of The Greener Act, an app that allows travellers to make positive changes by engaging in community projects and to support local causes in order to create a more sustainable world. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Rochelle Turner is the Head of Research and Insight for MaCher, a sustainable design firm specialised in making products for companies. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Matt Rickard is one of the founders of task.io. They are a tech platform whose purpose is engaging teams in activities that have a social impact or environmental impact. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Bruce Bratley is the CEO and Founder of First Mile, a company set out in 2004 to help businesses become sustainable through recycling and waste management. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Phil Korbel is one of the two founders of the Carbon Literacy Project. They support the use of their adaptable framework for a day's-worth of practical training on how to respond to the climate crisis. It can be used anywhere and empowers people to apply their existing skills and position in the best way possible. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Did you know that two billion cups of coffee are drunk every day? Welcome to our Christmas Coffee Podcast Special where we are pleased to have featured together four like-minded professionals within the coffee industry who have fully embedded sustainability into their businesses. Dive with them into the different approaches that each of them has taken to make coffee not only tasty but sustainable. This Christmas give away sustainability with their excellent discounts using 'GEPODCAST' promotional code. Music sourced by: Marshmallow ( prod. by Lukrembo) Promoted by: Copyright free music - AUDIO HUNT Video link: https://youtu.be/gg6TQaTSSVw

Emma Foster-Geering is the Director of Sustainability of Vivo Barefoot, a company that even before Emma joined, had the ethic and the mindset of sustainability at the core of the business. The co-founders of Vivo Barefoot, Galahad, and Asher Clark, realised that the only shoes that are worth making it is the barefoot shoe and that is what they do. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Christian Arno is the founder of Pawprint, an online tool to help you measure, understand, and reduce your carbon footprint. Their purpose is to mainstream consumers who care about doing their bit to do with climate change, to have a vehicle to make change personally, at work, and beyond. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Ellen Windemuth is the CEO of Off the Fence and a start-up called WaterBear. WaterBear is a global documentary network looking at 17 Sustainable Development Goals where 75 NGOs have agreed to be on. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Maria Ferguson is a partner at Energy Lab, a sustainability building services design consultancy that supports building's functions including commercial offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, or residential buildings. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Brendon Rowen brings his extensive experience in well being, marketing, and environmental consultancy to bare on designing and implementing Cradle to Cradle® Circular Economy solutions for SME's, government organisations, and corporations. His international team delivers over 25 years of effective, solutions-based expertise into the first conversation. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Steve Malkin is the founder of Planet Mark, a sustainability certification which recognises continuous improvements, encourages action, and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Julio Maria Muhorro is the founder of Sharing Knowledge International, an e-learning platform that offers coaching packaging in order to enable powerful personal transformations to drive business career and life fulfillment. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Chris DeArmitt is a scientist considered one of the top plastic material experts in the world. He has worked as a problem-solver for many big corporations such as Apple, HP, Exxon, P&G, and Disney, among others. A deep understanding of materials combined with high creativity allows Chris to solve tough challenges. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Vicky Smith is the founder of Earth Changers. They are not a tour operator or travel agency but a marketing platform that collects and offers some of the world's best positive impact tourism destinations, as Vicky defines it. They choose destinations that have less of an environmental impact and whose profits go to health or education projects, among others, in the destination places. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Guillaume Le Grand is the CEO and Co-founder of TOWT, TransOceanic Wind Transport. TOWT is a French sailing freight transport company that uses wind power to ensure a future of low-carbon maritime emissions, offering an alternative to climate warming and the energy challenge. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Roxy Rocks-Engelman is the Sustainability Communications Manager at https://www.cafedirect.co.uk/ (Cafédirect), a coffee company that supplies high-quality coffee and whose mission is focused on empowering smallholder growers to improve their livelihood. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

James Thornton is the CEO of Intrepid Travel, one of the world's largest travel companies. Being a responsible business has been at the heart of this committed tour company by investing in sustainability, local communities and wildlife conservation projects, and the environment. Why are they different from other travel companies? Tune in now! Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Dr Sri Ram and Smruti Sriram are the founder and CEO, respectively, of Bag of Ethics, a manufacturing company based in London with its manufacturing hub based is in South India. They make eco-packaging, predominantly made from sustainable products, which are cotton, canvas hessian. Their main objective is to change the way people use packaging. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

We talk on this podcast with the Chief Operations Officer and the Chief Impact Officer at Planet Smart City, Daniele Russolillo, and Carmen Romero. Planet Smart City is a purpose-driven and people-centric organisation whose core business is to provide people with housing solutions they cannot afford. The story of Planet Smart City teaches us all an important lesson about how an organisation can make a positive impact on society while saving the environment. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. Subscribe now!

Mike Barry is a Sustainability Freelance Expert with nearly 20 years of experience as Head of Sustainability in Marks & Spencer. Sustainability insights, interesting and practical business examples, and tons of positivism. All in one podcast that will keep your attention from beginning to end. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. Subscribe now!

Phil Clarks is the owner of Embedded IT, a group of experienced consultants who have lived through IT Services complexity and understand the impacts that these changes will have on everyone's business. They advise clients on how to buy IT stuff, or how IT companies can work with each other. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Nick Rawkins works at Reconome, a company that helps businesses and households manage the lifecycle of their IT equipment in a sustainable way, as well as manage measure, and report on this positive impact. Their driving purpose is to solve the global waste issue. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. Subscribe now!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greenbizconsultant/ (Carolina Miranda) is the founder and CEO of https://www.cultivatingcapital.com/ (Cultivating Capital), a certified B Corp since 2012. Their purpose is to help make the world a better place by helping businesses to operate in ways that are more socially and environmentally beneficial.

Adam Hall is the head of sustainability at Internet Fusion, a group of online retailers that operate in majority outdoor sports, such as mountain sports, ocean sports, and action sports. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. Subscribe now!

Karli Hiscock works at Bates Wells, a full-service law firm established in 1970. They call themselves a city firm with a difference: they have a lot of positive impacts. They have significantly evolved since 1970 and embedded a much more outward-looking set of values. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. Subscribe now!

Martin Rich is the cofounder of Future-Fit Business, a UK based charity, whose vision is the creation of a future-fit society. What do they mean by that? A society that protects the possibility that humans and other life will flourish on earth forever by being environmentally restorative, socially just, and economically inclusive. How do they achieve that? The objective of future Fit is to produce free to use open source tools that help businesses to become truly sustainable. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. Subscribe now!

Tim Wookey is the Cofounder and Managing Director of Amamus. As his business name tells 'we love' in Latin, Tim and his team are passionate about beautiful coffee. The company supplies speciality coffee to like-minded businesses setting new standards in quality, service and taste. Their ambition is to be innovative and disruptive within the coffee sector with the ultimate purpose of making moments more meaningful. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Kathryn Luckock is a coach for social entrepreneurs. She set up Share Impact nearly three years ago with a vision to help social entrepreneurs measure and communicate the impact better, in order to run sustainable and profitable businesses. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. Subscribe now!

Cotswold Fayre is a wholesaler of artists on food and drinks who buys lots of nice food and drink products from producers all over, mainly the UK but also from outside. They sell those products to independent retailers in the UK, such as farm shops, delis, food halls, convenience stores, department stores, as well as some larger grocers. They are the connection point between small producers and small retailers, which are vital parts of the community. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Catherine Manning is the Operation Manager from Social Value UK and Social Value International. Social Value UK is a national membership network with a professional body for people who are working in social impact or value. They are the national network of the UK, which is a part of social value International. They are working towards a shared global mission to change the way the world accounts for value. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. Subscribe now!

Jon Fletcher is the co-founder and managing director of Brakkn, a ‘profit with a purpose’ company who aims to make homes and businesses more affordable to run while having a positive social and environmental impact on the planet. Brakkn have created online platforms ‘The Clean Switch’ and ‘Clean Energy UK’ to help both domestic and commercial clients make the switch to renewable energy, as simply as possible. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Russ Avery, Dr Birgit Memminger-Rieve and Ingemar Hunold are the founders of Elodie, a sustainability and creative communications consultancy that puts purpose over profit. They bring together their research, education, consulting and marketing expertise to help organisations to follow in their footsteps to create a healthier, more sustainable planet. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Ravinder and Sukhi are cofounders of Drinks Cubed, an inspiring company that produces reusable carton-bottled water. They’ve made it their aim to help shape consumer behaviour through the growing market for water and become the lowest carbon emissions drink brand by 2022. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Carl Pratt is the Founder of Future Planet, a community with a passion for purpose, personal fulfilment and the planet. Their purpose is to accelerate our transition into an inclusive sustainable future. FuturePlanet joins together intrapreneurs, innovators, investors and influencers. Through community, curated events, and online spaces, they empower you to provide support, solve challenges and create opportunities for each other. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

Dhiraj Sharma is the founder of 8mango where they create artefacts using a handful of domestic junk such as e-waste. Today, they have transformed more than 70 kgs of e-waste, plastic junk into artefacts for corporates and individuals. Don't miss out our weekly interviews with sustainable businesses from different industries and sizes. Get inspirational insights that you can implement in your day-to-day and other bespoke content for you. https://greenelement.activehosted.com/f/57 (Subscribe now!)

HSG UK (Hygienex) offers water conservation and washroom services. Lead by Simon Rice and Tom Rice, they are a father and son duo that created Ureco a water saving device for urinals and their clients and partners include Tescos, Pizzahut, Rolls Royce, NEC Birmingham, Boots and BT. If you would like to be a guest on The Green Element podcast or have any questions please drop us an email at info@greenelement.co.uk For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Jae Cotterell is an author and architect, with experience in designing certified Passivhaus buildings. http://www.phhomes.co.uk/ (Passivhaus Homes) helps build net zero carbon houses. They provide technical support to those building economically sustainable houses to a Passivhaus standard in an effort to combat climate change. If you would like to be a guest on The Green Element podcast or have any questions please drop us an email at info@greenelement.co.uk For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Steve Pipe is a retired accountant, business author, speaker and strategist who is giving everything away to help create a better world. Steve is using B1G1 to create 100 million giving impact by 2026 and he is now personally made 5.7 million impacts. B1G1 or Buy1Give1 is a set of tools to allow anyone to make a giving impact. If you would like to be a guest on The Green Element podcast or have any questions please drop us an email at info@greenelement.co.uk For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Camilla is the Founder of Ouroboros, an online global consultant supporting CEOs and Executives to develop their companies in a sustainable direction towards a circular economy. Based in Copenhagen and Oslo their goal is to help 1,000,000 companies in the transition towards a more profitable and resilient business model with integrated sustainability. If you would like to be a guest on The Green Element podcast or have any questions please drop us an email at info@greenelement.co.uk For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Meet Amanda Weeks creator of Veles, the world’s first closed-loop and resource-negative multi-purpose cleaner. Amanda is the CEO and cofounder of Ambrosia, a New York-based company that combines waste management with closed-loop manufacturing for a sustainable future. Their first product Veles is an all-purpose household cleaner composed of water and common organic chemical compounds scientifically derived from food waste. If you would like to be a guest on The Green Element podcast or have any questions please drop us an email at info@greenelement.co.uk For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Dr. Bruno Roque Cignacco (PhD) is an international business consultant, international speaker and business coach. For over 20 years, he has advised and trained hundreds of companies on international trade activities and international marketing. He is also a Principal Lecturer in Marketing at GSM London. In this episode we talk about his new book “The Art of Compassionate Business: Main Principles for the Human-Oriented Enterprise” If you would like to be a guest on The Green Element podcast or have any questions please drop us an email at info@greenelement.co.uk For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Deanna Cook is the founder of Liya Collective a minimalist fashion brand for the modern women, sustainably made around the world. If you would like to be a guest on The Green Element podcast or have any questions please drop us an email at info@greenelement.co.uk For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Mark Michaux Brown is an executive coach and author of “The Outward Bound Lessons - To Live A Life Of Leadership” If you would like to be a guest on The Green Element podcast or have any questions please drop us an email at info@greenelement.co.uk For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Thalia Carr is a coach, trainer and facilitator helping sustainability professionals gain more confidence. Thalia work with individuals and teams from the Sustainability and the Purpose Driven Sector. If you would like to be a guest on The Green Element podcast or have any questions please drop us an email at info@greenelement.co.uk For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Ben Carter is the New Business Development Manager at MiniBems. Minibems is a demand management system for complex heating systems that enables improved efficiency and fuel cost savings thanks to intelligent control and monitoring technology, paired with integrated billing. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Taylor Gathercole is the Founder of Kindwood, a new business with the simple mission to provide people and planet kind warmth. They are transforming the wood fuel sector – turning it into an industry that provides comfort to our homes and regenerates our environment. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Virginia Cinquemani is the Founder and Director at The Green Gorilla, where they empower sustainability professionals to make an impact through coaching and training. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Ben Knowles is the founder of Pedal Me. Pedal powered passenger and cargo service in London. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Sam Coggin is the MD and Head of Operations at The Coggin Group. They are office furniture suppliers, providing upcylced and remanufactured office furniture. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Andy Middleton is the Founder and Chief Exploration Officer of TYF group. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Andy Middleton is the Founder and Chief Exploration Officer of TYF group. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Lauren Wiseman is the environmental manager at WWF - The World Wildlife Fund for Nature. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

https://katestrong.co/ (Kate Strong) is the world champion triathlete, entrepreneur, coach and sustainability business consultant on a mission to inspire and empower people to be the step up and realise their full potential. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

April Sotomayor is the senior sustainability manager at iiE https://www.iie.uk.com/ (Investors in the Environment (iiE)) is a national environmental accreditation scheme. IIE support organisations to achieve environmental certification and provide them with the tools, training, and resources to do so. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Garçon Wines are the London-based inventors of eco, flat wine bottles; sustainable packaging for a 21st century world. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Will helps leaders and their organisations thrive through the power of Purpose. He’s a consultant, coach and speaker. Will started his career at Mars Inc, where he performed a variety of marketing roles across Europe. In 1999 he joined web-publishing pioneer Moonfruit as Marketing Director. After a period spent consulting, in 2008 Will joined Unilever as VP Marketing Strategy. He led the design and rollout of the ‘Crafting Brands for Life’ Way of Marketing – equipping Unilever’s 6,000 marketers to bring social purpose to their brands and achieve digital excellence. In 2014 Will founded Collectively, a digital media and collaboration platform created to accelerate the shift to sustainable ways of consumption. Originating in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Collectively partnered with more than thirty companies including M&S, BT and Google, and a wide network of NGOs and social entrepreneurs. Will is a B Leader, an Ambassador for the Positive Innovation Club and a Fellow of the RSA. He’s a proud father of three daughters and loves his road bike way more than he should. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Tara Button is the founder of BuyMeOnce, which is on a mission to change the way the world shop forever. The BuyMeOnce team find the longest lasting and most sustainable products on the planet and do all the research so shoppers don't have to. It started as a small passion project but soon went viral. It’s now had over 3 million visitors. There are now also over 2000 products on the site. Some of the highlights include: Socks with lifetime guaranteePans with a multi-CENTUARY warrantyA football that never deflatesA pen that never runs out of inkAnd sustainable clothing brands committed to fixing their clothes for life. Tara has now written a book, A life Less Throwaway, which explains the philosophy behind BuyMeOnce. About how buying once and buying well is the secret to a calm mind, clean planet and a permanently uncluttered home. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading organisations of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms. More than 50,000 Grant Thornton people across 135 countries, are focused on making a difference to clients, colleagues and the communities in which we live and work. Karen Higgins is Head of Sustainability at Grant Thornton UK LLP. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

James is co-founder and co-Chairman of COOK, a certified B Corporation. He is a Founding Partner of Snowball LLP, a multi-asset impact investment manager. He is co-founder of B Lab UK and a board member of B Lab UK and B Lab Europe. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Rural Handmade connects Rural Craftsperson or Makers to the Global consumer market with Data and Design. A transparent supply chain powered by Technology, A global platform for handmade that is leading the democratisation for rural artisans through technology, Data driven and innovative approach by driving 1.2 billion potential customers worldwide. Rural Handmade is a High impact*, one stop, sustainable, direct-to-business brand for Living and Giving sector. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Bio-Bean is the world's largest recycler of coffee grounds. They recycle spent coffee grounds into a broad spectrum of efficient, sustainable products for a range of markets, both consumer and industrial. We speak with Matt Keniston Commercial Head of bio-bean elements and renewals. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Javed Khattak is the CEO of Zisk Properties a property crowdfunding platform to make property investments more accessible to everyone. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Sian Conway is an ethical marketer working on behalf of Mother earth. https://ethicalhour.co.uk/ (Ethical Hour) works with impact entrepreneurs on marketing strategies to grow their income and impact. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Good Citizen turns single-use bottles into eyewear. They make 100% recycled sunglasses where each sunglasses is made from one recycled plastic bottle. Good Citizen is a father and sons team on a mission. We speak with Nik Robinson who set up the business with his two kids aged 6 and 8. For more information go to https://greenelement.co.uk/podcast/ (Green Element Podcast) This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

https://russavery.com/ (Russ Avery) is the sustainability marketing guy. Russ is a serial eco entrepreneur, having founded several startups including Happy Orangutan, Renewabilitee, and upcoming sustainability and communications consultancy Elodie. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Kiran Gill is the cofounder of Bloom and Grace. Their missions is to eradicate poverty through working with artisan communities and educating local communities.Working with Buy1Give1 (B1G1) they are making an impact with every piece of jewellery they sell. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Adele Frew is the cofounder of The Other Wife. They are a chemical free premium cleaning services. They use natural cleaning products free from chemicals and toxins. For more information go to Green Element Podcast This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

This week we chat with Charlie Luxton, TV presenter and sustainable architectural designer at Charlie Luxton Designs. https://charlieluxtondesign.com/ (Charlie Luxton Designs) create architecture that responds to local materials, traditions and climate, building a more sustainable world. For more information go to https://greenelement.co.uk/podcast/ (Green Element Podcast) This episode is hosted by Will Richardson - connect with Will on https://uk.linkedin.com/in/greenelement (Linkedin) or Twitter This episode is produced by Woon Tan of Podcast Publishing

Toast Ale is beer made from surplus bread. Up to 44% of bread is never eaten. Toast Ale work with bakeries and sandwich makers to prevent waste. In this episode, we speak with Louisa Ziane, Chief Brand Officer of Toast Ale.

In this episode final episode of season 1 of the Green Element Podcast, I share with you what is an environmental management system. Get the FREE Environmental Management System Handbook here Highlights: How you can manage your organisation's environmental impact? What is an Environmental Management System? Short term and long term steps to measure and evaluation of the environmental impact The 4 stages problem-solving model How we can help you to make a lasting change in your organisation Why get an Environmental certification ISO14001 certification

Useful link: ISO 14001 Time Stamp: [00:30] Review of Season 1 [01:40] How to environmentalize your business [05:40] How to plan to reduce your environmental impact [07:00] Gauging the effectiveness of an environmental management system [10:00] Updating communications and policy for your business [12:00] Why go for the ISO14001 [13:00] Get in touch

In this episode, we meet a few of the fellow B Corps. Certified B Corps are a new kind of businesses purpose and profit. Highlights Why become a B Corp What it means to join the B Corp movement How to be more sustainable Why we need to be more sustainable Taking the B Corp impact assessment Looking beyond the horizon and longer term

Useful links: DoNation WholeGrain Digital Ossa Organic Red Inc Time Stamp: [00:20] What is the B Corp [01:00] Ossa Organic being a B Corp [05:00] DoNation on helping companies become more sustainable [09:30] How to be more sustainable? [10:30] Adam Huttly of Red Inc [13:20] Tom Greenwood of Wholegrain Digital [16:30] Conclusion

Dr Michael Groves founded Topolytics to help drive new models of waste and resources management and digitally enable the circular economy. Topolytics is a meta-database of industrial and commercial waste. Topolytics use mapping, sensors and analytics to generate a high quality database of the generation, movement and fate of multiple waste materials. Waste management, recycling and energy from waste companies use Topolytics’ data to optimise capacity investments and sales campaigns. Industrial and commercial waste producers use Topolytics to maximise opportunities to realise the value in waste material. Useful links: Topolytics http://topolytics.com/ Time Stamp: [00:50] What is Topolytics [05:00] We enable people to reduce the waste they generate [10:00] Waste information is messy [14:00] Engagement is important [18:00] Big challenge around the environment is communication and behaviour change [23:00] Successful entrepreneurs preserve [25:10] Important to be commercial [29:00] Aviation and travelling [32:00] Accused of being a tree hugger and believe in the economic upsides

Matthew Sawyer is the MD of SEE Sustainability, a sustainability consultancy helping SMEs improve their triple bottom line. Nigel Parkin is the owner of Institution is a multi-award winning boutique cafe located in the Georgian Market town of Bedale. In this episode, Matthew shares his experience working with Nigel and they chat about their experience turning Institution into a more sustainable business. Highlights: Understanding of SDG and getting the team on board “Within a period of 6 weeks we were able to reduce our waste bill by 60%.” Using social media to shout about sustainability campaign SDG 12.3 Reducing Food Waste Reducing coffee waste, sourcing more local produce and reducing packaging Closing the information gap between knowledge Biggest challenge of reducing carbon footprint

Useful link: Nigel Parkin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-parkin-b139bb159/ Institution Cafe in Bedale http://cafe.thisisinstitution.co.uk/ Matthew Sawyer https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matthew-sawyer-mb-bsc-gradiema-66325110b/ SEE Sustainability https://seesustainability.co.uk/ (https://seesustainability.co.uk/) Timestamp: [03:00] Understanding of SDGs [05:00] Improving waste management of the cafe [10:00] Environmental impact from the customer’s perspective [15:00] Asking questions of suppliers [20:00] What has been the biggest struggle? [25:00] Once piece of advice to audience

Ifeyinwa Kanu, founder of IntelliDigest. Food waste and plastic waste are two global challenges attracting a worldwide concern. IntelliDigest is developing the world’s first intelligent, kitchen fitted and automated bio-upcycler (IntelliAD). IntelliAD could be deployed locally in food waste ‘hot spots’ such as restaurants, hospitals and schools. IntelliAD will take unavoidable food waste and convert it to high-quality bioresources that displaces the need for plastics thereby providing convenience, money saving and evidenced regulatory compliance to users. Highlights: challenge of waste treatment small scale anaerobic food digester for onsite waste treatment turning food waste into biodegradable packaging changing behaviour towards waste

Useful link: http://podcastpublishing.help/ (IntelliDigest) Ifeyinwa Kanu's Linkedin Subscribe to the Green Element Podcast

Woon Tan is the founder of Podcast Publishing, where they focus on helping impact businesses share their message through podcasts. Podcast publishing helps impact podcasters launch and scale their podcasts. Highlights: Why podcasting is growing How to get started in podcasting Woon's career from insurance into sustainability Are all financial companies as bad as everyone thinks Advise on getting involved in an impact career Influencing change using podcasts Sustainability, climate change and environmentalism in Malaysia

Useful link: Podcast Publishing: http://podcastpublishing.help/ Subscribe to the Green Element Podcast

Alan Donnachie is the Head of Estates and Facilities at the Regents's University London. Highlights: challenges of greening a university that is part of the Crown Estates and within a Royal Park in central London installing BMS systems working with international students more having effective windows in old buildings environmental efforts vs perception how to get more savings from sustainability efforts priority of reducing carbon emissions

Useful links: Regent's University London - https://www.regents.ac.uk/ Subscribe to the Green Element Podcast

AdGreen exists to support the advertising industry’s transition to environmentally sustainable production methods; working in collaboration with trade bodies and other industry organisations to accelerate the adoption of best practice. Highlights Making production sets more sustainable Reducing production waste Challenge of lack of benchmark and measure Jo Coombes career in advertising Working with brands, agencies and production companies Why #greenproduction can't be left with showrunners

Useful links: AdGreen - https://www.adgreen-apa.net/ AdGreen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/AdGreenAPA/ AdGreen Twitter - https://twitter.com/AdGreenAPA Jo Coombes Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jocoombes Albert - http://wearealbert.org/ Subscribe to the Green Element Podcast

Michiel Vos is the founder & CTO of Coco Pallet. He is a serial entrepreneur specialized in the Circular Economy and Bio Based products. CocoPallets replace single-use one-way wooden export pallets; fewer trees need to be cut and shipped for these purposes. They buy the coconut husk from the farmers, creating extra income at the bottom of the pyramid. The farmers stop burning the coconut husks; which reduces the air pollution. Highlights: Why a Linkedin post turned viral The problem with the current pellets market Carbon footprint of travelling to Asia and transporting from pallets Keeping track of pellets What it means to be a circular economy business Building a pellet factory Being data driven

Useful links: CocoPallet - https://www.cocopallet.com/ Michiel Vos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michiel-vos-29628418/ Subscribe to the Green Element Podcast

Alison Woods talks about her journey from charity work to the founding of Lilypads. Lilypads is a reusable sanitary pad made from natural material. Lilypads support vital work in rural Kenya tackling period poverty and stigma. They help girls access reusable sanitary pads so they do’t have to miss out on their education or turn to unsafe alternatives. Highlights: How solving a research problem lead to a much bigger problem. How to create a sustainable product and make the business model sustainable. Choosing to be a BCorp How Alison is iterating and getting feedback in developing the sanitary pad. How Alison is prioritising social media and face-to-face conversations Advise to entrepreneurs and people looking for more purpose

Useful links: Lilypads - https://lilypads.org.uk/ Lilypads Twitter - https://twitter.com/Lilypads_UK (https://twitter.com/Lilypads_UK) Lilypads Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lilypads.uk/ (https://www.instagram.com/lilypads.uk/) Alison Wood’s Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonwood-lilypads/ Subscribe to the https://www.greenelement.co.uk/podcast/ (Green Element Podcast)

Naeem Arif is the author of “Customer First” and MD of NA Consulting and United Carpets. In this conversation, Naeem shares his experience of advising large businesses on organisational culture, managing multiple companies and treating customers first. Subscribe to the Green Element Podcast Highlights: Chasing happy customers is better than profits Working with employees and organisational culture Business transformation for large organisations Global village and diversity in the workplace Demand for sustainability in companies Millennials won’t sacrifice meaningful work for more pay How treating one customer with kindness lead to more customers

Naeem Arif's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/naeemarif/ Customer First - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Customer-First-Naeem-Arif-ebook/dp/B07PFKR6GP NAC Consulting - https://www.naconsulting.co.uk/ (https://www.naconsulting.co.uk/) High Profile Club - https://highprofileclub.com/ (https://highprofileclub.com/) United Carpets & Beds - https://www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com/ Sapiens - https://www.ynharari.com/book/sapiens/ B1G1 - https://www.b1g1.com/ B Corp - https://bcorporation.uk/ Sustainable Developement Goals - https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/ Subscribe to the https://www.greenelement.co.uk/podcast/ (Green Element Podcast)

Customer First: How the best loved brands convert and retain customers

Brendan Thompson is the co-founder of https://renegadeandlongton.com/ (Renegade & Longton), the pioneers of elderflower and sparkling wines. We talk about sustainable packaging and the production of wine. Subscribe to the https://www.greenelement.co.uk/podcast/ (Green Element Podcast)

We are thrilled to be interviewing Jon Leland from Kickstarter. Jon Leland is the Senior Director of Strategy and Insights at Kickstarter, the world's largest platform for funding creative projects. He leads their Environmental Impact Group which is tasked with meeting their public benefit commitments to reducing the impact of their operations and ecosystem on the environment.

We are thrilled to be interviewing Natalie Jameson – C.E.O | MUM | Design Thinker | Tech4Good / Social Business Innovator | Speaker | Author| Educator The Heroworx is reimagining executive education in the digital economy with the world first Financial and Business Services intrapreneurial accelerator. They position women and underrepresented groups to thrive and drive exponential growth with quadruple bottom line values aligned to the UN SGDs. Natalie’s steered a multidisciplinary portfolio career and education through two children, four industries including Acquisitions Finance, Sustainable Interior Architecture, Start Up Healthcare and 5 countries (often as the only women). The final piece of the jigsaw for starting The Heroworx came as Head of Food and Beverage Finance in a digital transformation team at Siemens Plc. Inspired by the possibilities of and called to action by how underrepresented women and minority groups were. She believes there is magic at the intersection of women’s education, empowerment, digital innovation in Enterprise. Her central question is, what if business practitioners all thought like human-centred designers? Would our approach to work and life be purposefully diverse, creative and connected to humanity and the planet for meaningful innovation and sustainable industrial development?

Paul is Co-Founder and CTO of Remote and Code Assembly, working to empower purpose-driven teams to amplify their impact. He’s also a TEDx speaker, writer and music producer. Both organisations excel at automating systems that free you and your team to work within your individual talents to do the work you were born to do. His superpower is his ability to envisage and model systems in a holistic way that liberates innovation and human potential, with purpose at its core. Paul’s been leading technical teams to build online and mobile applications for nearly twenty years for tech startups, established enterprises and global corporations like Sony, Volvo and Volkswagen Group. His book ‘Purpose First’ will be published in the Summer; it shows us how we can put Purpose at the core of our own lives, to organise our business and teams to align with a common goal, and how to utilise exponential technologies to achieve positive global impact.

We are thrilled to be interviewing Nick Addison from Pro Earth Ltd. Pro Earth are specialists in environment protection and conservation through controlling pollution. We design spill control solutions for industry, including construction, airports, railways, mining, catering and manufacturing We also create purification systems that remove heavy metals, hydrocarbons and chemicals from waste water.

We are thrilled to be interviewing as a Podcast Extra; Kiko Matthews from Kiko Matthews ltd - A World record holder - fastest woman to solo row the Atlantic. She is passionate about the ocean and our environment, as well as education and adventure. She was a science teacher before being a environmental athlete. In May 2019 she will be cycling around U.K. 7200km and doing 76 beach cleans along the way. if you would like to get involved then please sponsor her - www.kikomatthews.co.uk. It is an amazing show and I hope you like it as much as us!

We are thrilled to be interviewing Tessa Tricks from Hubbub. Hubbub is a charity that creates environmental campaigns with a difference. There positive and design playful interventions that inspire people to make healthier, greener lifestyle choices, which more often than not help save money and bring people together. They concentrate on things people are passionate about and are relevant day-to-day, like fashion, food, homes and neighbourhoods. They keep things simple, offering practical and realistic solutions that help people to cut waste, make clothes last longer, save money and create cleaner spaces to live and work in. www.hubbub.org.uk Tessa has led Hubbub’s food campaigns since 2014.

We are thrilled to be interviewing Stephanie Johnson and Kristina Komlosiova from Pollen + Grace. They create innovative, healthy ready meals and snacks. They challenge the traditional marketplace by creating 100% natural, accessibly priced, genuinely delicious meals that just so happen to be vegan, as well as gluten, wheat and dairy free. Born in their home kitchen in 2015, they have grown from a niche lunch delivery service to one of the market leading Food-To-Go brands. Today, their products can be found on the shelves of retailers like Whole Foods and WHSmith; their meals are available nationwide through Ocado and since 2018, our branded products are stocked in offices such as Google, HSBC and Deloitte through Compass Group. they're currently crowdfunding! https://www.seedrs.com/pollenandgrace

We are thrilled to be interviewing Tim Dew from Games Without Frontiers. Tim started Games Without Frontiers to rapidly accelerate the way that people learn. It works on two key principles: 1. That the only way you can get someone to believe in an idea is to believe it was theirs in the first place and, 2. That we only learn through experience. Rocket, our first learning platform, teaches teams of people how to run a whole business in a single day. It's being hailed as the future of learning by qualification authorities. 26 weeks of trade happen in 26 minutes - it's fast and furious, fun and you'll learn more in a day than months attending traditional training courses. Their clients are using it for teambuilding, commercial education across wholse organisations and as method of winning new clients.

We are thrilled to be interviewing Anne Charlotte Mornington from OLIO. Anne Charlotte Mornington pursued a BA Hons in Fine Art and an MSc in Management where she wrote her thesis on the topic of food waste. While working for Tech City UK in 2015, she was introduced to OLIO and has been part of the team ever since. Her focus is on international expansion and business development. After instigating OLIO sharing communities in Sweden and California, she is currently working on community growth in Mexico City while overseeing other regions.

We are thrilled to be interviewing Anne Pleun van Eijsden from Paper on the Rocks. She started Paper on the Rocks in late 2015. After studying International Law, a bachelor in History and minor in Chinese she worked as an e-commerce marketeer. But from a young age she felt that she wanted to make a difference by becoming an entrepreneur who was 'doing good'. Then she encountered stonepaper. A beautiful alternative to traditional pulp paper. Almost overnight she started Paper on the Rocks - without a plan but with a very solid belief in the need for change. Now Paper on the Rocks is an internationally operating stationery business, we are a certified B Corporation and provide notebooks made from scaleable paper alternatives - such as our Rockbooks from stonepaper and our soon to launch Leafbooks from agricultural waste - to the B2B and B2C market.

We are thrilled to be intervieing Joseph Kennedy from Content Pathway, The UK's #1 Environmental Copywriter & Interviewer. The environment can't speak for itself, that's why we have to produce regular and engaging content that sparks discussion, encourages action, and inspires people to make decisions on its behalf. That's where I come in. With a background in recycling, waste management, sustainability and journalism, and with a client base ranging from electric supercar manufacturers to local house clearance companies, I have the versatility, creativity and industry knowledge to communicate for your business. Since 2016 I have been a creative support and content innovator for the environmental industry, and have now built a loyal team around me to help drive this mission forward.

We are thrilled to be interviewing Robin Pointon, Go Travel Solutions is a specialist consultancy for sustainable transport, serving employers, public bodies and travel providers founded in 2008. The enterprise currently employs five staff members with offices in Leicester and Bristol. The organisation is focused on bringing together the best in transport, environmental and marketing practice. Go Travel Solutions works in collaboration with leading transport consultants, local authority partners, operators and support agencies to tailor solutions to the requirements of customers.

We are thrilled to be interviewing Marco Karman who is the owner of Be More You. Be More You is a company that helps people be more mindful, compassionate, and illuminated. Their target market are children over 10 years and old people over 60 years but have an opening market for people in the working field. In this episode, Marco explains how people do a lot of things subconsciously and have knee jerk reactions because their minds are already programmed to a certain kind of thinking. His company will help you be more aware of your environment and how to handle different situations.

We are thrilled to be interviewing Peter Elbourne, Managing Director of Supply & Operations at SHORE The Scottish Company. They aim to be the UK’s leading seaweed company. They hand harvest organic seaweed from the remote and rugged shores of northern Scotland. Sustainability is central to what they do. No-one else offers their range of organic seaweed at wholesale scale in the UK. To achieve volume sales, they have developed a range of seaweed-based products to sell into retail under our brand SHORE – the first of which is their Seaweed Puffs. Seaweed is the star ingredient, but their healthy snacking products also deliver on taste. In the coming years we want to expand our harvesting operations and introduce cultivation for key commercial species. They will also diversify beyond food into new markets for seaweed.

We are thrilled to be interviewing Joel Solomon from Renewal Funds. Want to understand what a serial impact investor sounds like, what should you look for? How do you know they want the same as you? Listen to this episode and understand more about investment. Joel Solomon is a Founding Partner of Renewal Funds, Canada's largest mission venture capital firm, at $98m assets under management. Investing in Organics and EnviroTech in Canada and the USA, Renewal Funds is GIIRS-rated, a founding Canadian B Corp (5x “Best for the World”), a “1% for the Planet” member, recognized as ImpactAssets “Top 50 impact fund managers.”

We are thrilled to be interviewing Nick Molden from Emissions Analytics, a business that is trying to educate us on what the actual emissions are for the vehicle you drive. The government is trying to get us to stop driving Diesel vehicles what if you were to understand that the new diesel vehicles are greener and cleaner than the new petrol ones? The government is a few years behind the actual emissions. Nick is busy testing vehicles from all around the world and letting us know the actual emissions of your vehicle! It turns out some of their customers are the car companies themselves! Listen and enjoy - it blew my mind! I hope it blows yours!

We are thrilled to have and be interviewing Adam Garfunkel from Junxion Strategy, a strategy and communications consultancy dedicated to helping leaders build the success stories of the next economy – one that is fair, inclusive and sustainable. They do that by helping organisations articulate their purpose, plan for impact, share their stories and measure and report on the difference they have made. Adam has spent thirty years as a sustainability consultant, writer and activist working with organisations of all sizes including the United Nations, global businesses, NGOs and social enterprises.

We are thrilled to be interviewing Tamma Carel from Imvelo limited, an environmental consultancy and training business that helps companies best understand environmental management and sustainability in the easiest way possible. Being an IEMA approved service provider, she has been able to integrate environmental management with different parts of a company through cohesive courses. She is an incredible human being with lots of energy and passion to educate. Tamma has been running the business for 3 years, and still has the same zeal and enthusiasm as ever.

Today we are delighted to be joined by Peter Gilheany, the Director of Forster Communications, a social change PR agency. It’s a company that is devoted to working with businesses and non-profit organizations with the goal of accelerating social change and has been in business for about 22 years. They help their clients protect and improve their lives.

This is a great episode about a phenomenal and inspiring lady that set up ‘networking’ and ‘communications’ solution that helps us increase awareness and reduce the environmental impact within organisations. Hermione Taylor is founder of Do Nation, an online platform designed to help people form healthy, environmentally friendly habits. Through Do Nation, she’s worked with over 100 organisations, from Nando’s to Network Rail, Ella’s Kitchen to Edinburgh University, helping to engage their employees in sustainability. Do Nation was born out of Hermione's non-profit project whereby individuals can raise support for marathons, cycle rides, or even weddings in the form of action instead of cash. Instead of donating £5, supporters pledge to try out a new carbon-saving action – e.g. cycle to work, use less plastic, or avoid unsustainable palm oil.

Martin Baxter Chief Policy Advisor IEMA – (Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment) Martin works in the UK and internationally to support the transition to a low carbon, resource efficient and sustainable economy. Martin leads IEMA’s policy and external engagement activity with government and business. He has national and international experience in developing and negotiating global and European standards, and developing capacity for effective and widespread implementation. Martin is head of the UK delegation to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) on environmental management and chairs the EMS committee. He is also a Board member of IEMA and SocEnv.

Today we are delighted to be joined by Tom Greenwood who is the managing director of Wholegrain Digital. He and his wife begun the company back in 2007. It is a web and design agency whose mission is to use design, digital technology and business to help create a sustainable world.

Dave Faulconbridge, one of the founders of WF Glazing Protection Ltd, is here with us today discussing window films. The company helps and gives you the freedom to use your offices and rooms all year round through their window film coatings. Having been in operation for 12 years as well as previous employees of 3M, they sure do have the required experience and are proud to be environmental friendly while at it.

Today, we are glad to be joined by Richard Fuller, the managing Director at County Battery Services Ltd. It’s a company that was founded by his father in 1974. They deal with different types of batteries that is for cars, alarms, battery-operated toys, cordless phones and digital cameras. The batteries are both rechargeable and non-rechargeable.

Today I had a chat with Myles Hopper, one of the founders of Mindful Chef. Mindful Chef is a health-focused food box company that was founded in 2015. They started the business with their customers as friends and family only and they now try to treat all their customers like that. They have grown incredibly. He gives us their story of how they practically sold nothing for 9 months and how they were able to grow from that.

Today we are delighted to be joined by Danny Witter a co-founder of Work for Good. Work for Good is a social enterprise that purposes in getting business to give a little bit more to charity. Their mission is to create a channel that enables philanthropic funding for the charity work. They use this platform to invite both businesses and charities to sign up thereby enabling businesses to get to the charities easier.

Kalopsia Collective is a textile batch manufacturing company which began with an aim to challenge the way textile was seen. Totally aware of the social impact of design and production, they strive to minimize the environmental impact of the business. This is by considering everything and everyone affected by their business. In this episode, Adam will share with us the challenges they're facing as a company, especially with fabric, a load of advice to anyone looking to start a sustainable business, and much more.

Ben Battell visited two beaches with completely different ocean life. One was completely clean while the other was holding on to its life from the amount of waste in it. This prompted Ben to start a business where he could reduce the amount of plastic that finds its way to the ocean. Did you know that if you spend 80 years in life while changing your toothbrush every three months that would be 240 toothbrushes in a lifetime? These small but significant changes is what Ben from Bahasa of the Sea is trying to make. Listen in to find out how.

In this episode, we’re joined by Andy from Simplicity Cars. Andy is not your typical car salesman. He is truly passionate about cars and his business and I’m sure you’ll be able to tell that from listening to the show. He makes the journey of buying a car as easy as possible for you and given that he only gets his payment from the suppliers, you’re sure of getting it at a fair price. He shares how he runs his business, interacts with his clients, and what happens in case your car is delayed. In a world where ethics and car dealership cannot be put in the same sentence, it would be a pity to miss listening to this podcast.

Gut healing is reemerging as the key benefit to having better health, and a longer and happier life. When Catherine Farrant fell pregnant, she started researching on ancient ways in which people nourished their bodies. She found out that food was used as medicine as opposed to today where we’re taking medicine as food and that's how Ossa Organic was born. Ossa Organic is a BCorp Certified company that has products made using high-quality organic ingredients based on ancient recipes. Catherine shares with us how she runs the company, what inspired her to start it, and ways in which you too, can join the organic foods movement.

Today, it’s my pleasure to interview Sam Brennan who is the owner of Fresh Car Valeting. Sam believes in having a connection with people and more so his employees. He feels having happy employees subsequently translates to having happy customers. With a team of 9 employees, Fresh Car Valeting is changing how car valeting business works. It is a high-end mobile car valeting company and this comes with a load of challenges. He gives us the ins and outs of his business but most importantly, he shares the challenges he’s facing being a high-end business.

Fellow Bcorp and Manchester-based Brew Tea Co. join us for this fascinating interview all about Sustainable Business, the technical side of Tea drinking and the triple bottom line. Deirdre McNally discusses the challenges involved in being a consumer-focussed company committed to doing business as a force for good as well as how building a loyal community has really helped them provide a better service.

The Kind Living Salon is set up to be a unique and modern brand that offers Vegan, eco-friendly and organic products, alongside ethical and socially conscious treatments and services. In this interview, founder Lizzie Salter tells us why she set up this new business and the eco-hub she aims to achieve to promote a more ethical and sustainable approach to wellbeing, self-care and nutrition. Lizzie discusses common challenges small business face when it comes to setting up a sustainable business and how she's overcome most and working on others.

Linklaters is a leading international law firm committed to environmental responsibility. In this interview we speak with Leilani Weier who is their in-house Sustainability Consultant. There's a lot you can take away from this episode, especially if your staff and supply chain are asking questions around sustainability and environmental responsibility. Leilani talks about their Best Green Law Firm global chat group which was set up to engage global employees around the companies sustainable agenda and how Linklaters is responding to client requests around the topic of sustainability.

Did you know that 80% of your environmental impact is decided at the design stage? Matt Hocking is a superhero lover, proud and committed BCorp owner and planet optimist, In this interview he talks about how becoming a BCorp helped him increase his turnover by 40% in the first year, how he's engaged his staff, suppliers and customers with his sustainable business agenda and how Leap is doing business as a force for good. There are lots of lessons learned in this episode too so be sure to have a pen handy!

Leah talks about her journey building an ethical and vegan 'sweet treat' brand from scratch and how The Hardihood has used Instagram to accelerate their business growth. There's lots of tips and advice about starting an ethical brand, addressing the challenge around plastic packaging and also what it takes to get your product into popular retailers like Selfridges, Planet Organic, WholeFoods and Daylesford. It doesn't matter if you're just starting out on your own business venture or you've been doing it for years - there is lots to learn and take-away from this fascinating interview with Leah - a 29year old entrepreneur that started her journey at 25.

We are delighted to be joined by Adam Huttly who is the founder of Red-Inc. Company. Red Inc. is a B Corp certified company and is an office supplies re-seller. Adam founded his company in 2008 based on three principles which are cost, environmental impact, and reducing human effort.

Our second interview is with Ravinol Chambers from Video Production Company, Be Inspired Films. Rav talks about what it's like to run a business on his own, how to communicate through your company values and what it means to be a BCorp. Rav offers great advice to companies wanting to stand on their own feet and make a significant impact in the world. This is a great interview and we're honoured to share it with you.

To start our new podcast we thought it would be helpful for you to understand a bit more about Green Element so Charlie stepped in to do this interview. Green Element was founded by Will Richardson in 2004 with a mission - to change the world. 14 years later Green Element is growing and making an impact. Will talks about why he founded the company, why we decided to start this podcast and how Green Element embeds sustainability into it's operations. To read some of our customer success stories please click here. We've got case studies, videos, testimonials and lots of great statistics to show you the many benefits of embedding environmental and sustainable practices into your own business. You can also go to our website to read our own Environmental Policy - click here to read it now.

This podcast has been set up to inspire businesses to become more environmental and sustainable. We've been planning this podcast for a while now and we're really excited to launch. This is the introduction episode to our weekly podcast which will feature interviews with other sustainable businesses to inspire, empower and support businesses that want to be more environmental and sustainable.